JP5435116B2 - Powder container, powder replenishing device for replenishing developer from the powder container, and image forming apparatus on which it is mounted - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a powder storage container for storing a developer to be supplied to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or a composite machine thereof, a powder supply apparatus for supplying a developer from the powder storage container, The present invention also relates to an image forming apparatus on which it is mounted.

  As an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus is known in which an electrostatic latent image formed on a latent image carrier is visualized by a developing device using toner as a developer. In such an image forming apparatus, the toner in the developing device is consumed as the image is formed. For this reason, in this image forming apparatus, it is considered to use a toner container as a powder container that contains toner in order to supply toner to the developing device.

  In such a toner container, a toner discharge port (powder discharge port) for replenishing toner is provided, and the toner discharge port is configured to be closed by a shutter member that can slide relative to the toner discharge port. (See Patent Document 1). In this powder container, when the shutter member is in a position to close the toner discharge port, the stopper provided on the shutter member is hooked on the toner container to prevent the shutter member from moving and by pressing the stopper release portion. The state where the stopper is caught in the toner container can be released. For this reason, in this powder container, it can suppress that a shutter member moves from a toner discharge port. Thereby, when the user handles the powder container, it is possible to prevent the toner discharge port from being opened by accidentally moving the shutter member, and it is possible to prevent the toner from being scattered from the toner discharge port.

  However, since the toner container described above releases the state where the stopper is caught by the toner container by pushing the stopper release portion, there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of not moving the shutter member from the position where the toner discharge port is blocked. There is.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a powder container that can prevent a powder discharge port from being accidentally opened.

  The powder container according to claim 1 is provided with a powder container for storing a developer used for image formation, and the powder container for discharging the developer stored in the powder container. A powder discharge port provided; and a shutter mechanism that opens and closes the powder discharge port. The shutter mechanism includes a sealing position that closes the powder discharge port and an open position that opens the powder discharge port. A first shutter provided with a fixing release portion that is pushed to release the fixation at the sealing position, and a release operation protrusion capable of interfering with the fixation release portion. A second shutter movable between a covering position that covers the fixing release portion without causing the release operation projection to interfere with the fixing release portion and a release operation position that pushes the fixing release portion with the release operation projection; It is characterized by having.

  In the powder container according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the powder discharge port from being accidentally opened.

1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a configuration of a process cartridge 20 and a toner cartridge 50. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a toner cartridge 50 mounted in a toner supply device 43 and its surrounding configuration. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state where the toner cartridge 50 is viewed from the bottom side. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a bottom surface of a storage unit 51 (toner cartridge 50) in a cross section obtained along line II in FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure of the 1st shutter 62 of the shutter mechanism 60, (a) shows a mode seen from the upper surface side (Y-axis direction positive side), (b) is an upper surface side. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state viewed from the rear side in the mounting direction (Z-axis direction negative side), and FIG. 3C is a perspective view showing a state viewed from the front side in the mounting direction. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure of the 2nd shutter 63 of the shutter mechanism 60, (a) shows a mode that it looked from the upper surface side with a front view, (b) is an upper surface side, and a mounting direction rear side ( The state seen from the Z-axis direction negative side) is shown in a perspective view, and (c) is a perspective view showing the state seen from the upper surface side and the mounting direction front side. An explanation showing a state of the shutter mechanism 60 formed by assembling the first shutter 62 and the second shutter 63 on the bottom surface of the accommodating portion 51 (toner cartridge 50) in a cross section obtained along the line II in FIG. FIG. It is explanatory drawing shown in the cross section obtained along the II-II line | wire of FIG. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a state in which a toner container fixing portion 90 of the toner supply device 43 is viewed from the upper side (Y axis direction positive side). It is explanatory drawing shown in the cross section obtained along the III-III line | wire of FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view schematically showing the operation of the shutter mechanism 60 and the toner container fixing unit 90 in accordance with the movement of the toner cartridge 50, and (a) shows the toner cartridge 50 and the toner container fixing unit 90 facing each other in the mounting direction. (B) shows a state where the second shutter 63 hits the second step portion 98, (c) shows a state where the first shutter 62 hits the first step portion 99, and (d) shows a state where The state where the discharge port 55 and the toner supply port 96a are connected is shown. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the operation of the shutter mechanism 60 accompanying the movement of the toner cartridge 50, wherein (a) shows a state in which the first shutter 62 is in the sealing position and the second shutter 63 is in the covering position; ) Shows how the first shutter 62 is in the sealing position and the second shutter 63 is in the release operation position, and (c) shows how the first shutter 62 is in the open position and the second shutter 63 is in the open position. . In order to explain how the toner cartridge 50 is mounted on the toner container fixing portion 90, the toner cartridge 50 is shown in a sectional view similar to FIG. 8 and the toner container fixing portion 90 is shown in a front view similar to FIG. The second shutter 63 of the toner cartridge 50 is in contact with the second step portion 98 of the toner container fixing portion 90. FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing a cross-section obtained along the line IV-IV in FIG. 14 in order to explain a state where the toner cartridge 50 is mounted on the toner container fixing portion 90. FIG. 15 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 14, showing a state where the first shutter 62 of the toner cartridge 50 has hit the first step portion 99 of the toner container fixing portion 90. It is explanatory drawing similar to FIG. 15, and shows the same state as FIG. FIG. 18 is an explanatory view showing the toner cartridge 50 (shutter mechanism 60) viewed from the Y axis direction negative side with both fixing claw portions 95 and both fixing release claw portions 97 attached, and shows the same state as FIG. 16 and FIG. . FIG. 15 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 14, showing a state where the fixing release piece 68 of the toner cartridge 50 pushes both the fixing release claw portions 97 (fixing release claw 97 a) of the toner container fixing portion 90 into the toner container fixing portion 90. . FIG. 15 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 14 and shows a state where the discharge port 55 of the toner cartridge 50 and the toner supply port 96a of the toner container fixing portion 90 (toner supply device 43) are connected. It is explanatory drawing similar to FIG. 15, and shows the same state as FIG. It is explanatory drawing similar to FIG. 18, and shows the same state as FIG. 20 and FIG. In order to explain how the toner cartridge 50 is taken out from the toner container fixing portion 90, the toner cartridge 50 is shown in a sectional view similar to FIG. 8 and the toner container fixing portion 90 is shown in a front view similar to FIG. The toner cartridge 50 starts to move to the negative side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90, and the fixing of the toner cartridge 50 by the both fixing releasing claw portions 97 is released. FIG. 24 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 23, showing that the toner cartridge 50 is moved to the negative side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90 and the fixing of the first shutter 62 by both fixing claws 95 is released. Show. FIG. 24 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 23, in which the toner cartridge 50 is moved to the negative side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90, and the second shutter 63 is fixed by the hooking piece portions 81 b and the fixing groove portions 93 The state where is released is shown. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a toner cartridge 502 according to a second exemplary embodiment is viewed from the upper surface side and the front surface (surface on the Z axis direction positive side). FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing a state where the toner cartridge 502 is viewed from a side different from FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the toner cartridge 502 is viewed from the bottom surface side and from the front surface (surface on the positive side in the Z-axis direction). FIG. 6 is a front view showing a state in which the toner cartridge 502 is viewed from the front side. FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge 502 viewed from the upper surface side and from the front surface, partially cut away along a line VV (a surface including the VV line and the Z-axis direction) illustrated in FIG. 29. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure of the connection location 522a of the stirring member 52, (a) is shown with a perspective view from the front (surface of the Z-axis direction positive side) side, (b) is side (Z-axis direction). (C) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in (a). FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration and operation of a connecting portion 522a of the agitating member 52 and an agitation driving coupling 301 of the toner replenishing device 43, and (a) illustrates the agitation driving coupling 301 and the connecting portion 522a; Is schematically shown from the direction orthogonal to the Z-axis, and (b) shows the hooking protrusion 301a of the stirring drive coupling 301 and the hooking protrusion 522b of the connecting portion 522a from the arrow A9 shown in (a). (C) shows a state of relative movement by the guiding action of the inclined surface 301c of the hooking protrusion 301a and the inclined surface 522d of the hooking protrusion 522b, and (d) is a stirring drive. The coupling 301 and the connecting portion 522a are shown connected to each other, and FIG. 5E shows an inclined surface 522f provided on the protruding end portion 522c of the pair of hooking protrusions 522b. A structure provided with an inclined surface 301d on the protruding end 301b of the hook projections 301a of the (c) and shows a state in which relative movement in the same manner. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state where the toner cartridge 502 is viewed from the upper surface side and the rear surface (surface on the negative side in the Z-axis direction). FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing a state where the toner cartridge 502 is viewed from a side different from FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view illustrating a bottom surface of a toner cartridge 502. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for describing a configuration of a first shutter 622 of a shutter mechanism 602 of the toner cartridge 502. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure of the 2nd shutter 632 of the shutter mechanism 602, (a) shows a mode that it looked at from the upper surface side, (b) is an upper surface side, and the mounting direction rear side ( The state seen from the Z-axis direction negative side) is shown in a perspective view, and (c) is a perspective view showing the state seen from the upper surface side and the mounting direction front side. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 8 illustrating a state of a shutter mechanism 602 configured by assembling a first shutter 622 and a second shutter 632 on the bottom surface of the storage unit 51 (toner cartridge 502). It is explanatory drawing shown in the cross section (along the YZ plane containing a VII-VII line) obtained along the VII-VII line of FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a toner container fixing portion 902 of the toner supply device 43. FIG. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a state where the toner container fixing portion 902 is viewed from the upper side (Y axis direction positive side). 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus 102. FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the container housing unit 220 and the toner cartridge 502 of the image forming apparatus 102, and (a) shows a state in which the toner cartridge 502 is inserted into the container housing unit 220, and (b) ) Shows a state in which the toner cartridge 502 is mounted in the container housing portion 220. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a container housing unit 220 (toner container fixing unit 902) of the image forming apparatus 102. FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the restraining rail 209 of the side wall portion 50c of the toner cartridge 502 and the restraining rail 221 of the container housing portion 220, and (a) illustrates the restraining rail 209 and the restraining rail 221 in the Z axis. (B) shows a state where the restraining rail 209 is in contact with the restraining rail 221, and (c) shows a state where the restraining rail 209 and the restraining rail 221 overlap in the Y-axis direction. ing. In order to explain how the toner cartridge 502 is attached to the toner container fixing portion 902, the toner cartridge 502 is shown in a sectional view similar to FIG. 38 and the toner container fixing portion 902 is shown in a front view similar to FIG. Both arm portions 812 in which the pressing main body portion 212b (the protruding end 212c (the pressing inclined surface 212d)) of the both open protrusion pressing portions 212 is in the initial curved state of the second shutter 632 of the toner cartridge 502. This shows a state of hitting the open projection portion 812d (the open inclined surface 812e). 46 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 46, showing a state where the second shutter 632 of the toner cartridge 502 has hit the second step portion 98 of the toner container fixing portion 902. 46 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 46, showing a state where the discharge port 55 of the toner cartridge 502 and the toner supply port 96a of the toner container fixing portion 902 (toner supply device 43) are connected. FIG. 47 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 46 for explaining a state where the toner cartridge 502 is taken out from the toner container fixing portion 902, and the toner cartridge 502 starts to move toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 902; A state in which the fixing of the toner cartridge 502 by the fixing release claw portion 97 is released is shown. 46 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 46, in which the toner cartridge 502 is moved to the negative side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 902, and the second shutter 632 is fixed by the hooking piece portions 812b and the fixing groove portions 93. The state where is released is shown. 4A and 4B are explanatory views for explaining an effect obtained by the position where the first reference hole 201 and the second reference hole 202 are provided, in which FIG. 5A schematically shows the inside of the toner cartridge 502, and FIG. 6 schematically shows the inside of the toner cartridge 502 ′. 7 is a perspective view showing a state where a toner cartridge 503 having a configuration different from the toner cartridge 50 and the toner cartridge 502 of each embodiment is viewed from the upper surface side and the front surface (surface on the positive side in the Z-axis direction). FIG.

  Embodiments of a powder container, a powder supply device, and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is the same or it corresponds, The duplication description is simplified or abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  The configuration of the toner cartridge (50Y, 50C, 50M, 50BK) of Example 1 which is an example of the powder container according to the present invention and the image forming apparatus 10 to which the toner cartridge can be mounted will be described. First, the configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment is a color printer and is configured to be housed in a box-shaped housing (apparatus main body 11). In the image forming apparatus 10, writing units 12 </ b> A to 12 </ b> D that write electrostatic latent images on the photosensitive drum 21 (image carrier) after the charging process based on image information are provided. The writing units 12A to 12D include polygon mirrors 13A to 13D, optical elements 14A to 14D, and the like, and are configured as an optical scanning device using them. As the writing unit, an LED array may be used instead of the optical scanning device. The electrostatic latent images written by the writing units 12 </ b> A to 12 </ b> D are transferred to the transfer material P stored in the paper feeding unit 31.

  The transfer material P is recording paper, OHP, or the like, and a plurality of sheets are stored in the paper supply unit 31 in an overlapping manner. The paper feed unit 31 feeds the uppermost transfer material P stored therein toward the transfer belt 30 by the rotational drive of the paper feed roller 32 during image formation. The transfer belt 30 is an endless belt for transferring the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 21 onto the transfer material P by electrostatically attracting the transfer material P to the surface thereof and transporting it. It is moved around the same route without distinction between the start end and the end end). An adsorption roller 34 and a belt cleaner 35 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the transfer belt 30.

  A transfer roller 24 is opposed to each photosensitive drum 21 with the transfer belt 30 interposed therebetween. Each transfer roller 24 includes a cored bar and a conductive elastic layer that covers the cored bar, although not shown. The conductive elastic layer of the transfer roller 24 is prepared by blending and dispersing a conductive agent such as carbon black, zinc oxide or tin oxide in an elastic material such as polyurethane rubber or ethylene-propylene-diene polyethylene (EPDM). The elastic body has a volume resistivity adjusted to a medium resistance. A fixing unit 36 is provided above the transfer belt 30 that is circulated. The fixing unit 36 includes a pressure roller 37 and a heating roller 38, and fixes the toner image on the transfer material P to the transfer material P by pressure and heat.

  Four process cartridges 20Y, 20C, 20M, and 20BK are provided in the vertical direction along the transfer belt 30. The four process cartridges 20Y, 20C, 20M, and 20BK are for forming yellow, cyan, magenta, and black toner images, respectively. On each of the process cartridges 20Y, 20C, 20M, and 20BK, as supply means for supplying a carrier (magnetic carrier) and toner (toner particles) of each color (yellow, cyan, magenta, black) to the developing device 23, a carrier and Toner cartridges 50Y, 50C, 50M, and 50BK are installed as powder storage containers that contain toner.

  The process cartridges 20Y, 20C, 20M, and 20BK and the toner cartridges 50Y, 50C, 50M, and 50BK are attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 11 by opening the transfer belt 30 around a rotation support shaft (not shown). be able to.

  In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 is a composite image forming apparatus that functions as a copying machine and a printer. When functioning as a copying machine, the image information read from the scanner is subjected to various image processing such as A / D conversion, MTF correction, gradation processing, etc., and converted into writing data. In the case of functioning as a printer, image processing is performed on image information in a format such as a page description language or a bitmap transmitted from a computer or the like, and converted into write data.

  At the time of image formation, exposure light corresponding to the image information of black, magenta, cyan, and yellow is irradiated from the writing units 12A to 12D to the process cartridges 20BK, 20M, 20C, and 20Y, respectively. That is, exposure light (laser light) emitted from each light source of the writing units 12A to 12D is irradiated onto each photosensitive drum 21 through the polygon mirrors 13A to 13D and the optical elements 14A to 14D. Thus, a toner image corresponding to the exposure light is formed on the photosensitive drum 21 (image carrier) of each process cartridge 20BK, 20M, 20C, 20Y. The toner image is transferred to the transfer material P.

  The material to be transferred P fed from the paper feeding unit 31 is conveyed to the position of the transfer belt 30 at the timing of the registration roller 33 and the timing. That is, the registration roller 33 is rotationally driven in synchronization with the passage of the portion where the toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 21 (image carrier). The suction roller 34 provided at the transfer position of the transfer belt 30 causes the transfer material 30 to be sucked by the transfer belt 30 by applying a voltage. Thereby, the transfer material P moves as the transfer belt 30 travels in the direction of the arrow. The transfer material P sequentially passes through the positions of the process cartridges 20Y, 20C, 20M, and 20BK, and the toner images of the respective colors are transferred in an overlapping manner.

  The material P to which the color toner image is transferred is separated from the transfer belt 30 and reaches the fixing unit 36. The toner image on the transfer material P is fixed on the transfer material P by being heated while being sandwiched between the pressure roller 37 and the heating roller 38. On the other hand, the surface of the transfer belt 30 where the transfer material P is separated reaches the position of the belt cleaner 35, and the dirt such as toner adhering to the surface is cleaned.

  Next, the process cartridge and the toner cartridge in the image forming apparatus 10 will be described. The process cartridges 20Y, 20C, 20M, and 20BK have substantially the same structure, and the toner cartridges 50Y, 50C, 50M, and 50BK have substantially the same structure. Therefore, in the following description and FIG. In addition, symbols (alphabetic characters (Y, C, M, BK)) indicating the colors in the toner cartridge are omitted. Similarly, the symbols (alphabet (A to D)) for individually indicating the writing units 12A to 12D are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the process cartridge 20 is configured by integrating a photosensitive drum 21 as an image carrier, a charging unit 22, a developing device 23 (developing unit), and a cleaning unit 25. It has been adopted. The premix development method is a development method in which the carrier is replenished and discharged appropriately.

  The photosensitive drum 21 as an image bearing member is a negatively charged organic photosensitive member, and is rotationally driven counterclockwise (on the opposite side to the clockwise direction) by a rotation driving mechanism (not shown). The charging unit 22 has an elastic charging roller in which a medium-resistance foamed urethane layer formulated with urethane resin, carbon black as conductive particles, a sulfurizing agent, a foaming agent, etc. is formed in a roller shape on a metal core. It is. The material of the middle resistance layer of the charging unit 22 is urethane, ethylene-propylene-diene polyethylene (EPDM), butadiene acrylonitrile rubber (NBR), silicone rubber, isoprene rubber, etc. It is also possible to use a rubber material in which a conductive material such as the above is dispersed or a foamed material of these materials. The cleaning unit 25 is provided with a cleaning brush (or a cleaning blade) that contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 so as to slide, and mechanically removes and collects untransferred toner on the photosensitive drum 21.

  In the developing device 23, two developing rollers 23 a 1 and 23 a 2 as developer carrying members are arranged close to the photosensitive drum 21. A developing area where the photosensitive drum 21 and the magnetic brush are in contact with each other is formed in a portion facing the developing rollers 23a1 and 23a2. In the developing device 23, developer G (two-component developer) composed of toner T and carrier C is accommodated. The developing device 23 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 21 (forms a toner image). The configuration and operation of the developing device 23 will be described later.

  Here, the developing device 23 in Example 1 is of a premix development type, and a new carrier C (developer G) is appropriately supplied from the toner cartridge 50 into the developing device 23 and deteriorated. The developer G is discharged toward the developer storage container 41 installed outside the developing device 23. The toner cartridge 50 accommodates developer G (toner T and carrier C) to be supplied into the developing device 23 therein. The toner cartridge 50 functions as a supply unit that supplies new toner T to the developing device 23, and also functions as a supply unit that supplies new carrier C to the developing device 23. In Example 1, the mixing ratio (toner concentration) of the toner T with respect to the carrier C in the developer G of the toner cartridge 50 is set to be relatively high.

  Next, an image forming process performed on the photosensitive drum 21 will be described.

  When the photosensitive drum 21 is driven to rotate counterclockwise, first, the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is uniformly charged at the position of the charging unit 22. Thereafter, the charged portion on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 reaches the irradiation position of the exposure light L, and the exposure process by the writing unit 12 is performed. That is, by selectively removing the charge on the photosensitive drum 21 according to image information (changing the potential) by irradiation with the exposure light L, the difference (potential contrast) from the potential of the non-image portion not irradiated is obtained. To form an electrostatic latent image. In this exposure step, the charge generation material receives light in the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum 21 to generate charges, and among these holes, the holes cancel out the charged charges on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21.

  Thereafter, the portion where the latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 reaches a position facing the developing device 23. The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 21 comes into contact with the magnetic brush on the developing rollers 23a1 and 23a2, and the negatively charged toner T in the magnetic brush is attached and visualized. Specifically, the developer G pumped up by the magnetic force generated by the magnetic poles of the upper developing roller 23a1 is adjusted to an appropriate amount by the doctor blade 23c, and then the developing region (two developing rollers 23a1) that is the portion facing the photosensitive drum 21. , 23a2 and the photosensitive drum 21). The carrier C spiked in the development area is rubbed so as to slide on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. At this time, the toner T mixed with the carrier C is negatively charged due to friction with the carrier C. On the other hand, the carrier C is positively charged. A predetermined developing bias is applied to the developing rollers 23a1 and 23a2 from a power supply unit (not shown). As a result, an electric field is formed between the developing rollers 23a1 and 23a2 and the photosensitive drum 21, and the negatively charged toner T is selectively applied only to the image portion (electrostatic latent image) on the photosensitive drum 21 by the electric field. To form a toner image.

  Thereafter, the portion where the toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 reaches a position facing the transfer belt 30 and the transfer roller 24. Then, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred onto the transfer material P conveyed to the opposite position in accordance with this timing. At this time, a predetermined voltage is applied to the transfer roller 24.

  Thereafter, the transfer material P to which the toner image has been transferred passes through the fixing unit 36 and is discharged from the discharge roller 39 to the outside of the apparatus (see FIG. 1). On the other hand, the toner T (untransferred toner) remaining on the photosensitive drum 21 without being transferred to the transfer material P during the transfer process reaches a portion facing the cleaning unit 25 while remaining on the photosensitive drum 21. Then, the untransferred toner on the photosensitive drum 21 is removed and collected by the cleaning unit 25. Thereafter, the surface of the photoconductor drum 21 passes through a static elimination unit (not shown) to remove the residual potential, and a series of image forming processes on the photoconductor drum 21 is completed.

  Next, the configuration and operation of the developing device 23 will be described. As described above, the developing device 23 includes the developing rollers 23a1 and 23a2, the transport screws 23b1 to 23b3 (auger screws), the doctor blade 23c, and the like. The two developing rollers 23a1 and 23a2 have a sleeve formed by forming a non-magnetic material such as aluminum, brass, stainless steel, or conductive resin into a cylindrical shape, and is rotated clockwise by a rotation driving mechanism (not shown). It is configured as follows. In the sleeves of the developing rollers 23a1 and 23a2, a magnet for forming a magnetic field is fixed so as to cause the developer G to rise on the peripheral surface of the sleeve. The carrier C in the developer G rises in a chain shape on the sleeve so as to follow the normal magnetic field lines emitted from the magnet. The charged toner T is attached to the carrier C that is spiked in a chain shape to form a magnetic brush. The magnetic brush is transferred in the same direction as the sleeve (clockwise direction) by the rotation of the sleeve.

  The doctor blade 23c is installed on the upstream side of the developing area, and regulates the developer carried on the developing roller 23a1 (pumped up by magnetic force) to an appropriate amount. In Example 1, the doctor blade 23c is a plate-like member having a plate thickness of about 2 mm formed of a nonmagnetic metal material such as SUS316 or XM7. Note that a thin plate having a thickness of about 0.3 mm made of a magnetic metal material such as SUS430 can be installed on the opposite surface side of the doctor blade 23c.

  The three transport screws 23b1 to 23b3 are each formed with a screw portion spirally on the shaft portion, and circulate the developer G accommodated in the developing device 23 in the longitudinal direction (perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 2). While stirring, mix. The first transport screw 23b1 is provided at a position facing the developing roller 23a1, transports the developer G in the horizontal direction (in the direction perpendicular to the sheet of FIG. 2), and supplies the developer G onto the developing roller 23a1. In other words, the first transport screw 23b1 faces the developing roller 23a1 and supplies the developer G to the developing roller 23a1 while transporting the developer G in the longitudinal direction (perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 2).

  The second transport screw 23b2 is provided below the first transport screw 23b1 and at a position facing the developing roller 23a2. Then, the developer G separated from the developing roller 23a2 (the developer G forcibly separated from the developing roller 23a2 by the developer separating pole after the developing process) is conveyed in the horizontal direction. In other words, the second transport screw 23b2 is provided at a position facing the developing roller 23a2, and transports the developer G detached from the developing roller 23a2 in the longitudinal direction. The developer separating pole is formed by setting a magnet in the sleeve of the developing roller 23a2 so as not to partially have a magnetic pole or using a magnet having a magnetic pole arrangement that forms a repulsive magnetic field. Yes. The first conveying screw 23b1 and the second conveying screw 23b2 are provided so that the rotation axis thereof is substantially horizontal, like the developing rollers 23a1 and 23a2 and the photosensitive drum 21.

  Although not clearly shown, the third transport screw 23b3 is arranged in a horizontal direction so as to linearly connect the downstream side of the transport path by the second transport screw 23b2 and the upstream side of the transport path by the first transport screw 23b1. Is provided at an angle. The third transport screw 23b3 transports the developer G transported by the second transport screw 23b2 to the upstream side of the transport path by the first transport screw 23b1, and falls from the downstream side of the transport path by the first transport screw 23b1. The developer G circulated through the path is transported upstream of the transport path by the first transport screw 23b1.

  In addition, the conveyance path by the 1st conveyance screw 23b1, the conveyance path by the 2nd conveyance screw 23b2, and the conveyance path by the 3rd conveyance screw 23b3 are isolated by the wall part. Although not shown, the downstream side of the conveyance path by the second conveyance screw 23b2 and the upstream side of the conveyance path by the third conveyance screw 23b3 communicate with each other via the first relay unit. Further, the downstream side of the conveyance path by the third conveyance screw 23b3 and the upstream side of the conveyance path by the first conveyance screw 23b1 are communicated with each other via the second relay unit. Further, the downstream side of the conveyance path by the first conveyance screw 23b1 and the upstream side of the conveyance path by the third conveyance screw 23b3 communicate with each other via a fall path. With such a configuration, a circulation path for circulating the developer G in the longitudinal direction in the developing device 23 is formed by the three transport screws 23b1 to 23b3.

  Further, a discharge hole 23d (discharge means) for discharging a part of the developer G accommodated in the developing device 23 to the outside (developer storage container 41) is formed in the wall portion of the transfer path by the first transfer screw 23b1. ) Is provided. Specifically, the discharge hole 23d has a developer surface (upper surface) of the developer G that is supplied to the developing device 23 from the toner cartridge 50 and increases in the amount of the developer in the device and is conveyed to that position. When the height exceeds a predetermined height, the excess developer G is discharged toward the developer storage container 41. That is, the excess developer G exceeds the height of the lower portion of the discharge hole 23d, is discharged from the discharge hole 23d, and drops by gravity toward the developer storage container 41 via the discharge path 42. As described above, the carrier deteriorated by being contaminated by the base resin or the external additive of the toner T is automatically discharged to the outside of the developing unit, so that deterioration of the image quality can be suppressed even over time. Although not shown in FIG. 2, a discharge screw for conveying the developer discharged from the discharge hole 23 d in the horizontal direction is installed in the discharge path 42.

  Next, the configuration of a toner replenishing device (powder replenishing device) 43 that supplies a new carrier C from the toner cartridge 50 to the developing device 23 will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the toner cartridge 50 mounted in the toner supply device 43 and its surrounding configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the toner cartridge 50 includes an agitating member 52, a tapered portion 53, a discharge passage 54, and a discharge port (powder discharge port) 55 in a storage unit 51 (powder storage unit) that stores toner T. A conveying screw 56 and a shutter mechanism (slide shutter mechanism) 60 are provided. The agitating member 52 is rotatably provided inside the accommodating portion 51, and although not shown, the agitating member 52 agitates the developer G (see FIG. 2) accommodated in the accommodating portion 51 by being appropriately rotated, and the developer. G is moved to the tapered portion 53 by gravity. The taper portion 53 is provided on the bottom surface side (Y-axis direction negative side) of the housing portion 51, and the size is gradually reduced from the inside to the outside of the housing portion 51. The discharge passage 54 is formed on the tip end (lower end when the front view of FIG. 3 is viewed) of the tapered portion 53, and opens the bottom surface of the accommodating portion 51 continuously to the tapered portion 53. The discharge port 55 is formed at one end of the discharge passage 54 and forms an opening for discharging the developer G stored in the storage portion 51, that is, the toner cartridge 50. Although not clearly shown, the transport screw 56 is rotatably provided inside the discharge passage 54, and although not shown, the developer G moved to the discharge passage 54 by being appropriately rotated is discharged to the discharge port 55. Transport to the side.

  The shutter mechanism 60 is slidably provided on the bottom outer wall of the accommodating portion 51 (toner cartridge 50), and in the initial state, is located at a position facing the discharge port 55 to block the discharge port 55 (FIG. 4). Etc.). Further, the shutter mechanism 60 can open the discharge port 55 by sliding with respect to the outer wall of the bottom of the housing portion 51 (toner cartridge 50) (see FIG. 3 and the like). The shutter mechanism 60 slides to open the discharge port 55 when the toner cartridge 50 is attached to the toner supply device 43. The configuration and operation of the shutter mechanism 60 will be described in detail later.

  The toner cartridge 50 is attached to the toner replenishing device 43 by being slid from the near side to the far side of the image forming apparatus 10 (see arrow A1). Then, the shutter mechanism 60 is slid with respect to the accommodating part 51, and the discharge port 55 is opened. At this time, although not shown, the stirring member 52 and the transport screw 56 are respectively connected to a stirring drive coupling (see reference numeral 301 in FIG. 32 described later) and a transport drive coupling provided in the toner replenishing device 43. Then, in the accommodating portion 51, the developer G (not shown) to be accommodated is agitated by the agitating member 52 and moved to the tapered portion 53 on the bottom surface side by gravity. The developer G is moved along the tapered portion 53 by gravity, and is collected in the discharge passage 54 following the tapered portion 53, and the conveying screw 56 provided in the discharge passage 54 is appropriately driven to rotate. It is conveyed to the discharge port 55. The developer G is discharged to the outside through the discharge port 55 and reaches the toner supply device 43.

  The toner replenishing device 43 is provided with a toner temporary storage unit 44. The developer G discharged from the discharge port 55 of the storage unit 51 (toner cartridge 50) falls into the toner temporary storage unit 44 due to its own weight. The toner temporary storage unit 44 is provided with a toner detection sensor 45 and a rotary cleaning member 46. The toner detection sensor 45 includes a piezoelectric sensor or the like, and detects the presence or absence of the developer G in the toner temporary storage unit 44. Although the rotation cleaning member 46 is not clearly shown, a flexible cleaning member made of a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film or the like is provided on the rotation shaft member. The rotating cleaning member 46 is a developer in which the rotating shaft member is rotationally driven by a driving source provided in the toner replenishing device 43, so that the cleaning member adheres to the detection portion surface (not shown) of the toner detection sensor 45. Clean by scraping G.

  A toner conveyance tube 47 is connected to the bottom surface of the toner temporary storage unit 44. The developer G sent to the toner temporary storage unit 44 is sent into the toner transport tube 47 by its own weight. The tip of the toner transport tube 47 is connected to the developing device 23 of the process unit mounted on the printer body. Although not shown, the developer G in the toner transport tube 47 is transported toward the developing device 23 as the rotary transport member such as a screw member or an auger screw provided in the tube rotates. As a result, the developer G discharged from the toner cartridge 50 is supplied into the developing device 23.

  The control unit (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 10 stores the toner detection signal when no toner detection signal is sent from the toner detection sensor 45 even though the stirring member 52 and the conveying screw 56 of the toner cartridge 50 are rotationally driven. It is determined that the toner end in the portion 51 (toner cartridge 50) (almost all the developer G to be stored has been consumed and is empty). Here, even when the toner end is detected, the developer G is still left in the toner conveyance tube 47, so that the developer G can be replenished without replacing the toner cartridge 50 for a while. it can. In this manner, by detecting the toner end in the storage unit 51 (toner cartridge 50) based on the presence or absence of the developer G in the toner temporary storage unit 44, the toner cartridge 50 can be provided without a toner detection sensor. The toner end time can be detected appropriately.

  Next, features of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, the insertion direction of the toner cartridge 50 for attaching the toner replenishing device 43 to a later-described toner container fixing portion 90 (see FIG. 10 and the like) is the Z-axis direction (the front side during insertion is the positive side (front side)). In the first embodiment, it is also referred to as a mounting direction. Further, in a state where the toner cartridge 50 is properly mounted on a toner container fixing portion 90 described later, the vertical direction is the Y-axis direction (the upper side in the vertical direction is the positive side) and the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. 1 is also referred to as a vertical direction (height direction). Furthermore, the direction orthogonal to the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction is defined as the X-axis direction (the front side is the positive side when viewed from the front in FIG. 4), and is also referred to as the left-right direction in the first embodiment. In the following description, when the first shutter 62 and the second shutter 63 are individually described, the above-described directions (X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis) in the state where they are attached to the toner cartridge 50 are used. I will do it.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the toner cartridge 50 as seen from the bottom side. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the bottom surface of the storage unit 51 (toner cartridge 50) in a cross section taken along the line X-Z along the line II of FIG. 6A and 6B are explanatory views for explaining the configuration of the first shutter 62 of the shutter mechanism 60. FIG. 6A is a front view showing the state viewed from the upper surface side (the Y axis direction positive side), and FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the top surface side as viewed from the rear side in the mounting direction (Z-axis direction negative side), and (c) is a perspective view of the top surface side as viewed from the front side in the mounting direction. FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory views for explaining the configuration of the second shutter 63 of the shutter mechanism 60. FIG. 7A is a front view of the second shutter 63 viewed from the upper surface side, and FIG. The state seen from the rear side (Z-axis direction negative side) is shown in a perspective view, and (c) is a perspective view showing the state seen from the upper surface side and the mounting direction front side. FIG. 8 shows a state of the shutter mechanism 60 configured by assembling the first shutter 62 and the second shutter 63 on the bottom surface of the storage unit 51 (toner cartridge 50) along the line II in FIG. It is explanatory drawing shown in a cross section. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a cross section obtained along the line II-II in FIG. FIG. 10 is a front view showing a state in which the toner container fixing portion 90 of the toner replenishing device 43 is viewed from the upper side (Y axis direction positive side). FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross section obtained along the line III-III in FIG. In FIG. 6, the shutter seal 77 is omitted for easy understanding. Further, in FIG. 9, the conveying screw 56 is omitted for easy understanding.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the toner cartridge 50 has a box shape as a whole, and a storage portion 51 is provided on the inside thereof. As described above, the accommodating portion 51 is a portion where the developer G (not shown) is accommodated, and the electronic substrate 57 and the connection opening 58 are provided on the front surface thereof. The electronic board 57 is an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) or the like, and communicates with the image forming apparatus 10 (its control unit (not shown)) via an antenna board (not shown) provided in the toner replenishing device 43. It is possible to exchange information by communication. Information communicated between them includes information such as a toner cartridge manufacturing number and the number of recycling times, information such as a lot number and color, and information such as a usage history of the image forming apparatus 10. Also, on the electronic substrate 57, information on the remaining toner amount in the toner cartridge and the like are appropriately written by an antenna substrate (not shown) according to the toner consumption amount in the toner cartridge. Since the electronic substrate 57 is provided so that the reception surface is along the front surface of the accommodating portion 51 (toner cartridge 50), the developer G can be prevented from falling on the reception surface, and development can be performed. A reduction in communication sensitivity due to the presence of the agent G can be prevented.

  The connection opening 58 exposes the connection portion 52 a of the stirring member 52 provided inside the storage portion 51 from the front surface (the surface on the positive side in the Z-axis direction) of the storage portion 51. Although not shown, the connecting portion 52a is a connecting portion to the stirring drive coupling provided in the toner replenishing device 43.

  A tapered portion 53, a discharge passage 54, and a discharge port 55 are provided at the bottom of the housing portion 51 (see FIGS. 3 and 9), and a shielding opening 59 is provided continuously to the discharge passage 54. (See FIG. 9 etc.). The shielding opening 59 is formed so as to penetrate the housing 51 along the Z-axis direction (see FIG. 9 and the like), and the front end surface (surface on the Z-axis direction positive side) of the housing 51 (toner cartridge 50). The front end face 50a) is opened and communicated with the discharge passage 54 (discharge port 55) (see FIG. 9 and the like). The shield opening 59 has an inner diameter larger than that of the conveying screw 56, and is located on the upper side (Y-axis direction positive side) above the position where the front end surface of the storage unit 51 (the front end surface 50a of the toner cartridge 50) is opened. 59a is provided. Thereby, the shielding opening 59 can expose the connection part 56a of the conveying screw 56 that is rotatably arranged in the discharge passage 54 from the front surface (the surface on the positive side in the Z-axis direction) of the housing portion 51. The upper part of the connection part 56a can be shielded by the hook part 59a. Although not shown, the connecting portion 56a constitutes a connecting portion to a transport drive coupling provided in the toner replenishing device 43. As described above, the transport screw 56 transports the developer G collected in the discharge passage 54 toward the discharge port 55 (see FIG. 9 and the like). The discharge port 55 is formed so as to penetrate the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50 (a mounting projection 61 (see FIG. 5 and the like) described later) along the Y-axis direction (see FIGS. 2 and 9 and the like). ). Further, in the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50, a clear illustration is omitted, but a mounting protrusion 61 (FIG. 5 and the like) that protrudes in the Y-axis direction negative side and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape around the discharge port 55. Reference) is provided. In other words, the discharge port 55 is formed so as to penetrate the attachment protrusion 61 of the lower wall portion 50b in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50 is one side surface on which the discharge port 55 is provided. A shutter mechanism 60 is provided to close the discharge port 55.

  The shutter mechanism 60 is configured such that a first shutter 62 and a second shutter 63 are slidably movable in the Z-axis direction on the lower wall portion 50b (the mounting projection 61) of the toner cartridge 50. In the shutter mechanism 60, the first shutter 62 is made to exist at a sealing position (see FIG. 9 and the like) facing the discharge port 55 in the Y-axis direction, and is then slid to the Z-axis direction negative side to be opened. The position (see FIG. 20 and FIG. 21) can be used. Further, in the shutter mechanism 60, the second shutter 63 is provided at a covering position (see FIGS. 4 and 8, etc.) parallel to the first shutter 62 at the sealing position in the Y-axis direction, and from there, the Z-axis direction. It is possible to slide to the negative side and set it to the release operation position (see FIGS. 16, 17 and 21, etc.).

  In the shutter mechanism 60, in order to allow the first shutter 62 and the second shutter 63 to move in the Z-axis direction and to limit the movement, a pair of toner cartridges 50 has a pair of lower walls 50b as shown in FIG. A guide groove 64, a pair of fixed protrusions 65, a pair of support protrusions 66, and a pair of open protrusions 67 are provided. The pair of guide grooves 64 are formed to extend in the Z-axis direction while denting both side end surfaces of the mounting projection 61 provided in the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50 viewed in the X-axis direction in the X-axis direction. .

  The fixed protrusions 65 are provided in the lower wall portion 50b as a pair in the X-axis direction at a position on the negative side of the mounting protrusion 61 in the Z-axis direction. Both the fixing protrusions 65 are a base end portion 65a that protrudes from the lower wall portion 50b toward the Y axis direction negative side, a pressed portion 65b that extends along the X axis direction in a direction approaching each other from the protruding end, Have Therefore, the fixed protrusion 65 defines a passage space 65c (see FIG. 9 and the like) between the lower wall portion 50b and the pressed portion 65b when viewed in the Y-axis direction.

  The support protrusions 66 are provided on the lower wall portion 50b in pairs in the X-axis direction at positions outside the fixed protrusions 65 as viewed in the X-axis direction. Both support protrusions 66 include a base end portion 66a that protrudes from the lower wall portion 50b toward the Y axis direction negative side, and a flat plate portion 66b that extends along the XY plane at the protruding end. The pair of base end portions 66a is an inclined wall surface 66c whose end on the positive side in the Z-axis direction goes outward in the X-axis direction as it goes toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction.

  The pair of open protrusions 67 are provided at the end on the positive side in the Z-axis direction of the mounting protrusion 61 of the lower wall portion 50b, and protrude toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction. Both open protrusions 67 are flat surfaces in which the tip surface 67a on the positive side in the Z-axis direction exists on the same XY plane. The pair of open protrusions 67 form a plane whose outer side surfaces viewed in the X-axis direction are equal to both side end surfaces of the mounting projection 61 viewed in the X-axis direction.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the toner cartridge 50 is provided with a pair of side wall portions 50 c on the outer side when viewed in the X-axis direction of the mounting protrusion 61, and a fixing release piece 68 on each inner side. (Only one is shown in FIG. 4). The pair of fixing release pieces 68 has a thin plate shape protruding from each side wall portion 50c toward the inside as viewed in the X-axis direction, and has a triangular shape when viewed from the Y-axis direction. Both the fixed release pieces 68 form a front inclined side portion 68a on the positive side in the Z-axis direction and a rear inclined side portion 68b on the negative side in the Z-axis direction (see FIG. 5).

  Further, in the toner cartridge 50, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the inside of the pair of side wall portions 50c as viewed in the X-axis direction and outside the shutter mechanism 60 (the first shutter 62 and the second shutter 63). In addition, a pair of guide wall portions 50d is provided. Both guide wall portions 50d have a flat plate shape parallel to the YZ plane and are arranged on both sides of the shutter mechanism 60 as viewed in the X-axis direction. The first shutter 62 is attached to the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50 provided with these.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the first shutter 62 has a flat plate shape as a whole, and includes a pair of side wall portions 71, a fixed piece portion 72, a release protrusion 73, an installation portion 74, a pair of fixed wall portions 75, and a pair of guides. And a wall 76. The side wall portions 71 have a rod shape extending in the Z-axis direction, and are provided in pairs at both end positions viewed in the X-axis direction. The side wall portion 71 has a cutout portion 71a whose cross section parallel to the XY plane has an L shape that is the outer side viewed in the X-axis direction and opens the negative side in the Y-axis direction (FIG. 6B). And FIG. 6C) are formed. A fixed piece 72 is provided across the both side walls 71 in the X-axis direction.

  The fixed piece portion 72 has a base end portion 72a serving as an attachment location to both side wall portions 71 and a main body portion 72b extending therefrom. The base end portion 72a is provided so as to span an intermediate position between the side wall portions 71 viewed in the Z-axis direction in the X-axis direction. The main body portion 72b has a plate shape extending from the base end portion 72a toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction, and tilts toward the negative side in the Y-axis direction with the base end portion 72a as a base point, in other words, toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction. Accordingly, it is inclined so as to be displaced to the Y axis direction negative side (see FIG. 9 and the like). In the first embodiment, the main body 72b has a flat plate shape that is H-shaped when viewed in the Y-axis direction, and the protruding ends opposite to the base end portion 72a protrude in pairs in the X-axis direction. It is set as the pushing leg part 72c to do. When the first shutter 62 is set to a sealing position, which will be described later, each pressing leg portion 72c and the pressed portion 65b of each fixing protrusion 65 provided on the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50 are in the Z-axis direction. (See FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 etc.). This is the fixed posture of the main body 72b.

  The main body 72b can bend and deform in the direction of the force when a force in the Y-axis direction is applied, and can exhibit an elastic force that returns to the original position (fixed posture) when the force is released. It is possible. That is, the main body 72b is an elastic part capable of exerting an elastic force against an operation of displacing the base end 72a (first shutter 62) to the Y axis direction positive side. The main body 72b is sized so as to allow passage of the passage space 65c (see FIG. 9 and the like) of the fixing protrusion 65 provided on the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50 (see FIG. 21 and the like). ). For this reason, when the main body portion 72b is displaced to the Y axis direction positive side, the state where each pressing leg portion 72c hits the pressed portion 65b of each fixing projection 65 is eliminated, and the main body portion 72b passes through the passage space 65c. Is possible. This is the release posture of the main body 72b.

  A release protrusion 73 is provided on the main body 72b. The release protrusion 73 is formed so as to protrude from the approximate center position of the main body 72b toward the Y axis direction negative side, assuming that the main body 72b is parallel to the XZ plane (see FIG. 9 etc.). In the first embodiment, the release protrusion 73 is formed by partially projecting an intermediate portion of the portion extending in the X-axis direction in the main body portion 72b having an H shape (see FIG. 6A). The end on the positive side in the axial direction is an inclined surface 73a that is displaced toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction as it goes toward the negative side in the Y-axis direction (see FIG. 9 and the like). For this reason, by applying a force to the release protrusion 73 toward the positive side in the Y-axis direction, the main body portion 72b in the fixed posture can be displaced to the positive side in the Y-axis direction to obtain a release posture (FIGS. 16 and 16). 17 and FIG. 21 etc.). Accordingly, the release protrusion 73 functions as a fixing release portion that releases the fixation of the first shutter 62 at the sealing position by being pushed to the Y axis direction positive side.

  An installation portion 74 is provided so as to be surrounded by the fixed piece portion 72 (the base end portion 72 a) and the pair of side wall portions 71. The installation portion 74 constitutes a portion where a shutter seal 77 (seal member) (see FIG. 9 and the like) is installed, and has a thin rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole, and is rectangular when viewed in the Y-axis direction. ing. The installation portion 74 is a flat surface in which the front end surface 74a on the positive side in the Z-axis direction is parallel to the XY plane and extends in the X-axis direction. The shutter seal 77 installed there is provided and fixed to the installation part 74 so as to be fitted into the installation part 74, and is attached to the vicinity of the discharge port 55 provided in the lower wall part 50 b of the toner cartridge 50. By being pressed against 61, the discharge port 55 is sealed (the discharge port 55 is sealed to prevent the developer G from entering and exiting) (see FIGS. 16 and 17, etc.).

  The pair of fixed wall portions 75 are provided so as to protrude from the front end portions (end portions on the Z axis direction positive side) of the pair of side wall portions 71 toward the Y axis direction positive side. The two fixed wall portions 75 have a thin rectangular parallelepiped shape, and form a hooked surface 75a parallel to the XY plane on the Z axis direction negative side.

  The pair of guide wall portions 76 are provided continuously to the pair of fixed wall portions 75, and are provided so as to protrude from the inner side of the pair of side wall portions 71 in the X-axis direction toward the positive side in the Y-axis direction. Yes. Both guide wall portions 76 have a thin rectangular parallelepiped shape and form guide surfaces 76a parallel to the YZ plane. Each guide surface 76a is provided with a guide protrusion 76b. The guide protrusion 76b can be movably fitted into a guide groove 64 (see FIG. 5 and the like) provided in the attachment protrusion 61 of the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50. When the guide protrusion 76b is inserted into the guide groove 64 (see FIG. 8 and the like), the guide protrusion 76b is guided to and from a shutter seal 77 (see FIG. 9 and the like) provided on the installation portion 74 when viewed in the Y-axis direction. It is possible to sandwich a piece (see reference numeral 64a in FIG. 35 described later) that defines the groove 64. A second shutter 63 is provided so as to cover the first shutter 62 (see FIG. 4 and the like).

  As shown in FIG. 7, the second shutter 63 has a flat plate shape as a whole, and includes a flat plate portion 78, a release operation projection 79, a pair of side wall portions 80, a pair of arm portions 81, and a pair of restriction portions 82. . The flat plate portion 78 has a thin plate shape parallel to the XZ plane. In the first embodiment, the flat plate portion 78 is larger than the first shutter 62 when viewed in the Y-axis direction (on the XZ plane) (FIG. 8). Etc.). The flat plate portion 78 is a flat surface in which the front end surface 78a on the positive side in the Z-axis direction is parallel to the XY plane and extends in the X-axis direction.

  A release operation projection 79 is provided on the flat plate portion 78. The release operation protrusion 79 is formed to protrude toward the Y axis direction positive side in the vicinity of the center of the flat plate portion 78. The release operation projection 79 has a trapezoidal shape with the upper side on the Y axis direction positive side when viewed in a cross section parallel to the YZ plane (see FIG. 9 and the like). For this reason, in the release operation projection 79, an end surface on the negative side in the Z-axis direction is an inclined surface 79a that is displaced toward the negative side in the Y-axis direction as it goes toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction. The release operation protrusion 79 is moved when the second shutter 63 is moved in a state where the second shutter 63 is provided on the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50 together with the first shutter 62 (see FIG. 9 and the like). When the release projection 73 of the fixed piece portion 72 of the first shutter 62 is opposed to the release projection 73 in the Y-axis direction, the release projection 73 is pushed toward the positive side in the Y-axis direction to release the main body portion 72b of the fixed piece portion 72 ( The height dimension (size dimension seen in the Y-axis direction) that can be displaced up to FIG. 16, FIG. 17 and FIG. That is, the release operation protrusion 79 has a size (height dimension) viewed in the Y-axis direction in cooperation with the release protrusion 73 of the fixed piece 72 of the first shutter 62, and the main body of the fixed piece 72. 72b is set to be displaceable to the release posture.

  The pair of side wall portions 80 are formed so as to protrude from both end positions of the flat plate portion 78 in the X axis direction toward the Y axis direction positive side. The both side wall portions 80 are provided with receiving recesses 80a and inclined surfaces 80b on the inner side when viewed in the X-axis direction. The receiving recess 80a is formed by cutting out a protruding base portion of the side wall portion 80 from the flat plate portion 78, and the side wall portion 80 (the protruding base portion) is viewed in the X-axis direction while being recessed outwardly in the Z-axis direction. It is supposed to grow. The receiving recess 80a has a height dimension (as viewed in the Y-axis direction) capable of movably receiving a flat plate portion 66b (see FIG. 5) of the support protrusion 66 provided on the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50. Size). The inclined surface 80b is formed by notching the end portion on the Y axis direction positive side of the side wall portion 80, and an inclined surface that is displaced outward as viewed in the X axis direction toward the Y axis direction positive side. Has been.

  The pair of arm portions 81 are provided so as to protrude from the end on the Z axis direction positive side of the pair of side wall portions 80 to the Z axis direction positive side. Both arm portions 81 have a rod shape extending toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction while being spaced apart from the flat plate portion 78, and are curved so as to narrow each other toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction. The distance between the both arm portions 81 and the flat plate portion 78 viewed in the Y-axis direction is equal to the height dimension of the both receiving recesses 80 a, and the lower wall of the toner cartridge 50 is between the flat plate portions 78. The flat plate portion 66b (see FIG. 5 and the like) of the support protrusion 66 provided on the portion 50b can be movably received. Therefore, by receiving the flat plate portion 66b of the pair of support protrusions 66 between the both arm portions 81 and the flat plate portion 78 and the pair of receiving recesses 80a adjacent thereto in the Z-axis direction, 2 The shutter 63 can be attached to the toner cartridge 50 (its lower wall portion 50b) so as to be movable in the Z-axis direction.

  Since both arm portions 81 are larger in size than the first shutter 62 when the flat plate portion 78 is viewed in the Y-axis direction (on the XZ plane), the first shutter 62 should be present between the both arms 81. Can do. Here, both arm portions 81 are arranged in the Y-axis direction in a state where the first shutter 62 and the second shutter 63 are appropriately attached to the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50 (see FIG. 8 and the like) as will be described later. The viewed position is equal to the both side walls 71 of the first shutter 62. Therefore, each arm 81 hits (interferes with) each side wall 71 of the first shutter 62 when the first shutter 62 moves to the positive side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the second shutter 63 in the attached state described above. (See FIG. 16 and the like).

  The two arm portions 81 have a protruding end 81a on the positive side in the Z-axis direction that is pointed when viewed in the Y-axis direction and is opposed in the X-axis direction, and the distance therebetween is the width dimension (X It is set to be smaller than the distance between both side surfaces of both side walls 71 as viewed in the axial direction. In both arm portions 81, a hooking piece portion 81b is provided in the vicinity of the protruding end 81a. Both hooking piece portions 81b protrude outward from the arm portion 81 (near the protruding end 81a) in the X-axis direction, and the protruding end (outer end portion in the X-axis direction) is the side wall portion 80 It is assumed that it exists on a surface equal to the outer wall surface in the X-axis direction (both arm portions 81 having the same position in the X-axis direction). This state is defined as an initial curved state of both arm portions 81.

  Both arms 81 are deformed by bending in the direction of the force when a force in the X-axis direction is applied, and exhibit an elastic force that returns to the original position (initial curved state) when the force is released. It is possible. That is, the both arm portions 81 are elastic portions capable of exerting an elastic force against the operation of displacing the side wall portions 80 (second shutter 63) outward in the X-axis direction. . For this reason, when the first shutter 62 moves to the Z axis direction positive side with respect to the second shutter 63 in the above-described attachment state (see FIG. 8 and the like), By hitting each side wall 71 of the shutter 62, each protruding end 81a is deformed so as to extend along the Z-axis direction while being displaced outward in the X-axis direction (see FIG. 16 and the like). Then, the hook piece portion 81b (the protruding end (the outer end in the X-axis direction)) of each arm portion 81 is seen in the X-axis direction, and the side wall 80 (the outer wall surface in the X-axis direction (the X-axis) The position viewed in the direction is displaced (protruded) outward from both arm portions 81)) equal to the position (see FIG. 16 and the like).

  The pair of restricting portions 82 are end portions on the negative side in the Z-axis direction of the flat plate portion 78 and are provided so as to protrude in the Y-axis direction on both outer sides when viewed in the X-axis direction. Both regulating portions 82 are present on the negative side in the Z-axis direction of receiving recesses 80a provided on the pair of side wall portions 80, and support protrusions provided on the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50 received there. It is possible to hit the flat plate portion 66b of 66 (see FIG. 5).

  In the shutter mechanism 60, the first shutter 62 and the second shutter 63 are attached to the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50 as follows. First, as shown in FIG. 8, the guide protrusions 76 b of the pair of guide wall portions 76 are inserted into the pair of guide grooves 64 provided on the attachment protrusion 61 of the lower wall portion 50 b of the toner cartridge 50, and the installation portion 74 is inserted. A first shutter 62 provided with a shutter seal 77 (see FIG. 9 etc.) is attached to the attachment protrusion 61. Then, the first shutter 62 is slidable in the Z-axis direction with respect to the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50 by the guide of the pair of guide grooves 64 and the guide protrusions 76b inserted therein.

  In the first shutter 62, when the shutter seal 77 is positioned opposite the discharge port 55 provided in the lower wall portion 50 b of the toner cartridge 50 in the Z-axis direction, both the main body portion 72 b of the fixed piece portion 72 are arranged. The pressing leg portion 72c hits both pressed portions 65b of the fixing protrusions 65 provided on the lower wall portion 50b in the Z-axis direction. This is because the main body 72b of the fixed piece 72 of the first shutter 62 is displaced toward the Y-axis direction negative side as it goes toward the Z-axis direction negative side with respect to the base end portion 72a (the first shutter 62). It depends on. For this reason, the first shutter 62 is negative in the Z-axis direction with respect to the lower wall portion 50b (its mounting protrusion 61 (discharge port 55)) from a state in which the shutter seal 77 faces the discharge port 55 in the Z-axis direction. Moving to the side is prevented. At this time, the shutter seal 77 is pressed against the mounting protrusion 61 around the discharge port 55 and seals by covering the discharge port 55 (see FIG. 9 and the like). This is a sealing position in the first shutter 62.

  Further, in the first shutter 62, the release protrusion 73 provided on the fixed piece portion 72 is pushed to the Y axis direction positive side, whereby the main body portion 72b of the fixed piece portion 72 is moved to the Y axis direction positive side (lower wall portion 50b). Can be displaced toward the side closer to (see FIG. 17 and the like). As a result, it is possible to release the state in which the both pressing leg portions 72c of the main body portion 72b are in contact with both the pressed portions 65b of the fixing protrusions 65 provided on the lower wall portion 50b in the Z-axis direction (see FIG. 17 and the like). ). Here, the main body 72b is sized to allow passage space 65c (see FIG. 9 and the like) between the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50 and the pressed portion 65b of the fixing protrusion 65. Therefore, the first shutter 62 can be moved from the sealing position to the negative side in the Z-axis direction (see FIG. 21 and the like). From this, the main body 72b of the fixed piece 72 is moved to a position (release posture) where the both pressing leg portions 72c of the main body 72b abut the both pressed portions 65b of the fixing protrusion 65 in the Z-axis direction. Displacement of the first shutter 62 toward the Y axis direction positive side (side approaching the lower wall portion 50b) releases the fixation of the first shutter 62. Therefore, the discharge port 55 can be opened by moving the first shutter 62 to the negative side in the Z-axis direction until the shutter seal 77 does not cover the discharge port 55 (see FIG. 21 and the like). This is the open position in the first shutter 62.

  Next, the second shutter 63 is arranged so that the inclined surfaces 80b of the side wall portions 80 are directed from the Y axis direction negative side to the flat plate portions 66b of the pair of support protrusions 66 of the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50, and further the Y axis. By pushing to the direction positive side (side approaching the lower wall portion 50b), the lower wall portion 50b (the pair of support protrusions 66) is attached. Then, in the second shutter 63, the flat plate portions 66b of the pair of support protrusions 66 are received in the receiving recesses 80a of the side wall portions 80. Therefore, the second shutter 63 is slidable in the Z-axis direction with respect to the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50 by guiding both the receiving recesses 80a and the flat plate portion 66b of the pair of support protrusions 66 received therein. It becomes. Here, the second shutter 63 receives the first shutter 62 at the sealing position between the pair of side wall portions 80 and is sandwiched between the pair of arm portions 81 by setting the size (particularly, the flat plate portion 78). Meanwhile, the first shutter 62 can be covered with the flat plate portion 78 (see FIG. 4 and the like). For this reason, the second shutter 63 can have the flat plate portion 78 on the Y axis direction negative side of the release protrusion 73 provided on the fixed piece portion 72, and the outer side of the toner cartridge 50 (the lower wall portion 50 b). It is possible to prevent the release protrusion 73 from being exposed (see FIGS. 4 and 9). This is the covering position in the second shutter 63.

  Further, in the second shutter 63, the release operation projection 79 provided on the flat plate portion 78 is moved from the covering position to the negative side in the Z-axis direction, and the release projection 73 of the fixed piece portion 72 of the first shutter 62 is changed. It can be made to oppose in a Y-axis direction (refer FIG.16, FIG.17 etc.). Then, by the relative setting of the release operation projection 79 with the release projection 73, the release projection 73 is pushed to the Y axis direction positive side, and the main body 72b of the fixed piece 72 is released to the release posture (see FIG. 17). Can be displaced. Therefore, the position at which the release operation projection 79 of the second shutter 63 faces the release projection 73 of the first shutter 62 at the sealing position in the Y-axis direction is the release operation position of the second shutter 63 with respect to the first shutter 62. To do. The second shutter 63 can move to the Z axis direction negative side together with the first shutter 62 while maintaining the release operation position with respect to the first shutter 62 (see FIG. 21 and the like). For this reason, the position where the release operation position is maintained with respect to the first shutter 62 set to the open position is set as the open position of the second shutter 63 (see FIGS. 16 and 17, etc.).

  With this attachment, the shutter mechanism 60 is provided on the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50. In the shutter mechanism 60, as shown in FIG. 9, an attachment projection 61 and a pair of open projections 67 projecting from the positive side in the Z-axis direction are provided below the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50. The first shutter 62 is present below (Y-axis direction negative side), and the second shutter 63 is present below (Y-axis direction negative side). In the shutter mechanism 60, both the opening protrusions 67 are formed below the shielding opening 59 in which the conveying screw 56 (see FIG. 4) is provided below the front end surface 50 a of the toner cartridge 50 (the front end surface of the housing portion 51). A front end surface 67a is present, a front end surface 74a of the installation portion 74 of the first shutter 62 is present below the front end surface 67a, and a front end surface 78a of the flat plate portion 78 of the second shutter 63 is present therebelow.

  The toner replenishing device 43 to which the toner cartridge 50 provided with the shutter mechanism 60 is mounted is provided with a toner container fixing portion (container fixing portion) 90 that matches the configuration of the shutter mechanism 60. This will be described below.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the toner container fixing portion 90 includes a guide groove portion 91, a second receiving recess portion 92, a fixing groove portion 93, a first receiving recess portion 94, a fixing claw portion 95, a supply port portion (powder supply port). Part) 96 and a fixing release claw part 97. The guide groove portions 91 are provided in pairs in the X-axis direction, and are recessed in the Y-axis direction and extended in the Z-axis direction. The pair of guide groove portions 91 are in a positional relationship corresponding to the pair of guide wall portions 50d of the toner cartridge 50 to be mounted, and each can receive the corresponding guide wall portion 50d (see FIG. 14 etc.). Both guide groove portions 91 together with other guide mechanisms (not shown) define the mounting direction of the toner cartridge 50 with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90 (toner supply device 43).

  The second receiving recess 92 is provided between the pair of guide grooves 91, and can receive the second shutter 63 of the shutter mechanism 60 of the toner cartridge 50 (see FIGS. 14 and 15). . In other words, the second receiving recess 92 has the toner cartridge 50 of the shutter mechanism 60 including the second shutter 63 when the toner cartridge 50 is moved in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90 (toner supply device 43). And movement in the Z-axis direction are allowed. The second receiving recess 92 has a size as viewed in the X-axis direction that is substantially the same as that of the second shutter 63, and is fitted into the second shutter 63 while allowing movement in the Z-axis direction. (See FIG. 14 and the like).

  The fixed groove portion 93 is provided as a pair at both ends as viewed in the X-axis direction at the end on the positive side in the Z-axis direction of the second receiving recess 92. Each fixing groove 93 is formed to be recessed outward from the second receiving recess 92 in the X-axis direction, and defines a fixed wall surface 93a parallel to the XY plane on the negative side in the Z-axis direction. . Each fixed groove portion 93 is sized so as to be able to receive the hooking piece portion 81b (see FIG. 7 and the like) of the pair of arm portions 81 of the second shutter 63.

  The first receiving recess 94 is adjacent to the second receiving recess 92 as viewed in the Z-axis direction, and is provided on the positive side of the second receiving recess 92 as viewed in the Y-axis direction (see FIG. 11). The first shutter 62 of the shutter mechanism 60 of the cartridge 50 can be received (see FIGS. 16 and 17 and the like). That is, the first receiving recess 94 is integrated with the toner cartridge 50 of the first shutter 62 when the toner cartridge 50 is moved in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90 (toner supply device 43). Allow movement in the Z-axis direction. The first receiving recess 94 has a displacement amount (difference in height) that is substantially the same as the height of the second shutter 63 of the shutter mechanism 60 when viewed from the Y-axis direction. A second stepped portion 98 is formed between the second receiving recess 92 and the second receiving recess 92. The second step portion 98 includes the second shutter 63 (the front end surface 78a of the flat plate portion 78) of the toner cartridge 50 moved in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90 (toner supply device 43) and the Z. It hits (interferes) in the axial direction, and the movement of the second shutter 63 in the Z-axis direction with the toner cartridge 50 (including the first shutter 62 of the shutter mechanism 60) is blocked (FIGS. 16 and FIG. 17 etc.). The first receiving recess 94 has a size as viewed in the X-axis direction that is substantially the same as that of the first shutter 62. The first receiving recess 94 is fitted while allowing the first shutter 62 to move in the Z-axis direction. Accept (see FIG. 16 etc.).

  The fixed claw portions 95 are provided in pairs near the end on the positive side in the Z-axis direction of the first receiving recess 94 so as to sandwich the first receiving recess 94 in the X-axis direction. Both the fixed claw portions 95 are U-shaped as a whole when viewed in the Y-axis direction, and have one end protrusion 95a and the other end protrusion 95b. The one end projection 95a and the other end projection 95b extend in the same direction in each fixed claw portion 95, the projecting end surfaces thereof are parallel to each other, and the one end projection 95a has a larger projection amount. The difference in protrusion amount between the one end protrusion 95a and the other end protrusion 95b is that the side surface (surface orthogonal to the X axis direction) of the mounting protrusion 61 of the toner cartridge 50 viewed from the X axis direction and both side walls of the first shutter 62. It is made equal to the difference in position between the back side of the fixed wall portion 75 in the portion 71 (the Z-axis direction negative side of the hooked surface 75a) (see FIGS. 8 and 16, etc.). Further, each fixing claw portion 95 places the one end projection 95a on both sides of the mounting projection 61 of the toner cartridge 50 on the surface and the other end projection 95b in the state where the toner cartridge 50 is properly mounted. Provided at a position where it is possible to enter (exist) the back side of the fixed wall 75 (the negative side in the Z-axis direction of the hooked surface 75a) in both side walls 71 of the first shutter 62 provided in the cartridge 50. (See FIG. 16 and the like). Further, when each of the fixed claw portions 95 is in an initial rotation posture (see FIG. 10), which will be described later, when the toner cartridge 50 is properly mounted, the respective one end protrusions 95a are formed on both the mounting protrusions 61 of the toner cartridge 50. It is possible to hit the tip surface 67a of the opening protrusion 67 in the Z-axis direction.

Both the fixed claw portions 95 are rotatable around the rotation shaft portion 95c, and the rotation range in the direction of the arrow A2 is restricted by the restriction portion (not shown) until the state shown in FIG. 10 (initial rotation posture). Has been. Both the fixed claws 95 are given a rotational force in the direction of the arrow A2 by an elastic member (not shown). For this reason, both the fixed claw portions 95 are in the initial rotation posture shown in FIG. 10 in a state where no force is applied. Further, both the fixing claws 95 can be rotated to the opposite side of the arrow A2 by pressing against the elastic member (not shown) (see FIG. 16 and the like).

  The replenishing port portion 96 is adjacent to the first receiving recess 94 when viewed in the Z-axis direction, and is provided on the positive side of the first receiving recess 94 when viewed in the Y-axis direction (see FIG. 11). A toner supply port (powder supply port) 96a is provided at the center. The toner replenishing port 96a (replenishing port portion 96) forms an entrance for guiding the developer G discharged from the toner cartridge 50 (its discharge port 55) inward in the toner replenishing device 43. It is assumed that it leads to the temporary toner storage section 44 (see FIG. 3). The replenishment port portion 96 has a displacement amount (difference in height dimension) from the first receiving recess 94 viewed in the Y-axis direction substantially equal to the height dimension of the first shutter 62 of the shutter mechanism 60. A first step 99 is formed between the first receiving recess 94 and the first receiving recess 94. The first step portion 99 includes the first shutter 62 (the front end surface 74a of the installation portion 74) of the toner cartridge 50 moved in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90 (toner supply device 43) and the Z. It hits (interferes) in the axial direction, and prevents the movement of the first shutter 62 in the Z-axis direction integral with the toner cartridge 50. Therefore, in the toner container fixing portion 90, the second step portion 98 is provided in front of the first step portion as viewed in the mounting direction (from the Z-axis direction negative side to the positive side), and the first step portion is spaced from there. 99 is provided. The upper end surface of the replenishing port portion 96 (the surface on the positive side in the Y-axis direction and opened by the toner replenishing port 96a) is the lower end surface of the mounting protrusion 61 when the toner cartridge 50 is properly mounted. (A surface on the negative side in the Y-axis direction and opened by the discharge port 55) and a positional relationship that hits the surface (see FIG. 21 and the like). At this time, the discharge port 55 and the toner supply port 96a are connected to face each other in the Y-axis direction.

  The fixing release claw portions 97 are provided in pairs at the outer ends of the toner container fixing portion 90 as viewed in the X-axis direction, and each has a fixing release claw 97a and a pressing elastic member 97b. Each of the unlocking pawls 97a is movable in the X-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90, and a range of movement from the toner container fixing portion 90 to the outside by a regulating portion (not shown) is shown in FIG. It is regulated by the state (initial jump position). Each pressing elastic member 97b applies a force directed outward in the X-axis direction to the corresponding fixing release claw 97a. For this reason, each fixing release claw 97a is in the initial projecting position shown in FIG. 10 in a state where no force is applied, and the tip portion protrudes from the toner container fixing portion 90. Further, each fixing release claw 97a can be pushed into the toner container fixing portion 90 by pressing it inward in the X-axis direction against each pressing elastic member 97b.

  The tip end of the unlocking claw 97a is triangular when viewed from the Y-axis direction, and forms a front inclined side portion 97c on the positive side in the Z-axis direction and a rear inclined side portion on the negative side in the Z-axis direction. 97d is formed (see FIG. 10). The toner cartridge 50 is moved in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90 (toner replenishing device 43) at the front end portions (the front inclined side portion 97c and the rear inclined side portion 97d) of the fixing release claw 97a. At this time, the fixing release pieces 68 (the front inclined side portions 68a and the rear inclined side portions 68b (see FIG. 5)) provided on the respective side wall portions 50c face each other in the Z-axis direction and can interfere with each other. (Refer to FIG. 19 and FIG. 20).

  Next, operations of the shutter mechanism 60 and the toner container fixing unit 90 when the toner cartridge 50 is attached to the toner container fixing unit 90 (toner supply device 43) will be described with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B are explanatory views schematically showing the operation of the shutter mechanism 60 and the toner container fixing unit 90 accompanying the movement of the toner cartridge 50. FIG. 12A shows the mounting direction of the toner cartridge 50 and the toner container fixing unit 90. (B) shows a state where the second shutter 63 hits the second step portion 98, (c) shows a state where the first shutter 62 hits the first step portion 99, (D) shows a state in which the discharge port 55 and the toner supply port 96a are connected. FIG. 13 is an explanatory view schematically showing the operation of the shutter mechanism 60 accompanying the movement of the toner cartridge 50. FIG. 13A shows a state in which the first shutter 62 is in the sealing position and the second shutter 63 is in the covering position. (B) shows a state in which the first shutter 62 is in the sealing position and the second shutter 63 is in the release operation position, and (c) shows that the first shutter 62 is in the open position and the second shutter 63 is in the open position. It shows a certain state. FIG. 14 shows the toner cartridge 50 in a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 8 and a front view of the toner container fixing portion 90 similar to FIG. 10 in order to explain how the toner cartridge 50 is mounted on the toner container fixing portion 90. The second shutter 63 of the toner cartridge 50 is in contact with the second step portion 98 of the toner container fixing portion 90. FIG.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing a section taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 14 in order to explain a state in which the toner cartridge 50 is attached to the toner container fixing portion 90. FIG. 16 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 14 and shows a state where the first shutter 62 of the toner cartridge 50 hits the first step portion 99 of the toner container fixing portion 90. FIG. 17 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 15 and shows the same state as FIG. FIG. 18 is an explanatory view showing the toner cartridge 50 (shutter mechanism 60) viewed from the Y axis direction negative side with both fixing claw portions 95 and both fixing claw portions 97 attached thereto, and is the same as FIG. 16 and FIG. Shows the state. FIG. 19 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 14, in which the fixing release piece 68 of the toner cartridge 50 pushes both the fixing release claw portions 97 (fixing release claw 97 a) of the toner container fixing portion 90 into the toner container fixing portion 90. Indicates the state. FIG. 20 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 14 and shows a state where the discharge port 55 of the toner cartridge 50 and the toner supply port 96a of the toner container fixing portion 90 (toner supply device 43) are connected. FIG. 21 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 15 and shows the same state as FIG. FIG. 22 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 18 and shows the same state as FIG. 20 and FIG.

  In FIG. 12, for ease of understanding, the shutter mechanism 60 is indicated by the first shutter 62, the second shutter 63, and the discharge port 55, and the toner container fixing portion 90 is indicated by the second step portion 98 and the first step portion. 99 and a toner supply port 96a. In FIG. 13, for ease of understanding, the shutter mechanism 60 is indicated by a first shutter 62, a second shutter 63, and a discharge port 55 as in FIG. 12.

  First, as indicated by an arrow A3 in FIG. 12A, the toner cartridge 50 is moved in the mounting direction (Z-axis direction positive side) toward the toner container fixing portion 90. At this time, another guide mechanism (not shown) is inserted while the pair of guide wall portions 50d (see FIG. 5 and the like) of the toner cartridge 50 are inserted into the pair of guide groove portions 91 (see FIG. 10 and the like) of the toner container fixing portion 90. Are aligned with each other, the moving direction of the toner cartridge 50 relative to the toner container fixing portion 90 is defined as the mounting direction (Z-axis direction positive side) (see FIG. 14). In this state, in the shutter mechanism 60, since the first shutter 62 is in the sealing position, the shutter seal 77 is pressed against the mounting projection 61 around the discharge port 55, and the discharge port 55 is sealed. (See FIG. 12 (a), FIG. 13 (a), FIG. 14 and FIG. 15). Further, in the shutter mechanism 60, since the second shutter 63 is in the covering position, the first shutter 62 including the release protrusion 73 is covered by the second shutter 63 (see FIGS. 4, 14, and 15). ). Further, in the first shutter 62, both pressing leg portions 72c of the main body portion 72b of the fixed piece portion 72 are in contact with both pressed portions 65b of the fixing protrusions 65 provided on the lower wall portion 50b in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the attachment protrusion 61 (toner cartridge 50) is prevented from moving to the negative side in the Z-axis direction. Next, in the second shutter 63, both arm portions 81 (respective protruding ends 81 a) are on the Z axis direction positive side of the front end portion (end portion on the Z axis direction positive side) of each side wall portion 71 of the first shutter 62. Since both arm portions 81 are in contact with the front end portions of the side wall portions 71, movement of the mounting projection 61 (toner cartridge 50) to the negative side in the Z-axis direction is suppressed (see FIG. 14 and the like). ).

  Thereafter, as indicated by an arrow A4 in FIG. 12B, when the toner cartridge 50 is moved to the positive side in the Z-axis direction, the second shutter 63 of the shutter mechanism 60 is moved to the second receiving recess 92 of the toner container fixing portion 90. Then, the second shutter 63 (the front end surface 78a of the flat plate portion 78) hits the second step portion 98 of the toner container fixing portion 90 (see FIGS. 12B, 14 and 15). For this reason, the second shutter 63 is restricted from moving to the positive side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90.

  Thereafter, when the toner cartridge 50 is moved to the positive side in the Z-axis direction, the first shutter 62 of the shutter mechanism 60 enters the first receiving recess 94 of the toner container fixing portion 90, so that the first shutter 62 is moved. Together with the toner cartridge 50, it moves to the positive side in the Z-axis direction, and the second shutter 63 remains at the limit position by the second step portion 98 (see FIGS. 12C, 13B, 16 and 17). That is, in the toner cartridge 50, the second shutter 63 moves from the covering position to the negative side in the Z-axis direction while the first shutter 62 is kept at the sealing position (see FIG. 13B, etc.). Then, the both arm portions 81 of the second shutter 63 have their respective projecting ends 81 a abutted against the respective side wall portions 71 of the first shutter 62, so that each projecting end 81 a is displaced outward in the X-axis direction. It is deformed so as to extend along the direction (see FIG. 16 and the like). For this reason, the hook piece portion 81b of each arm portion 81 (the protruding end (the outer end portion in the X-axis direction)) is more outward in the X-axis direction than the side wall portion 80 (the outer wall surface in the X-axis direction). It is displaced (projected) and enters each of the pair of fixed groove portions 93 that communicate with the second receiving recess 92 (see FIG. 16 and the like).

  Thereafter, as indicated by an arrow A5 in FIG. 12C, when the toner cartridge 50 is moved to the positive side in the Z-axis direction, the first shutter 62 (the front end surface 74a of the installation portion 74) of the shutter mechanism 60 is moved to the toner. It corresponds to the first step portion 99 of the container fixing portion 90 (see FIG. 12C, FIG. 16 and FIG. 17). For this reason, the first shutter 62 is restricted from moving to the positive side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90.

  In this state, due to the relative movement of the first shutter 62 and the second shutter 63 in the Z-axis direction, the release protrusion 73 of the first shutter 62 and the release operation protrusion 79 of the second shutter 63 are in the Y-axis direction. This is the opposite release operation position (see FIGS. 16 and 17). For this reason, when the release operation projection 79 pushes the release projection 73 toward the positive side in the Y-axis direction, the main body 72b of the fixed piece 72 is displaced to the release posture (see FIG. 17). Here, the release protrusion 73 and the release operation protrusion 79 are in the Z-axis direction in the process of relative movement of the first shutter 62 and the second shutter 63 in the Z-axis direction. Since the end on the positive side in the Z-axis direction is an inclined surface 73a and the end on the negative side in the Z-axis direction of the release operation projection 79 is an inclined surface 79a, it is prevented from being caught by each other. Yes. Thus, in the first shutter 62, both pressing leg portions 72c of the main body portion 72b of the fixed piece portion 72 abut against both pressed portions 65b of the fixing protrusion 65 provided on the lower wall portion 50b in the Z-axis direction. The state (see FIGS. 14 and 15) is eliminated, and the main body 72b (both pressing leg portions 72c) faces the passage space 65c in the Z-axis direction, so that the mounting protrusion 61 (toner cartridge 50) ) To the Z axis direction negative side.

  Further, in this state, due to the relative movement of the attachment protrusion 61 of the toner cartridge 50 relative to the toner container fixing portion 90 to the positive side in the Z-axis direction, both open protrusions 67 (the front end surface 67a) of the attachment protrusion 61. Hits one end projection 95a of each fixing claw portion 95 of the toner container fixing portion 90 in the Z-axis direction, and pushes the one end projection 95a toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction, whereby the both fixing claw portions 95 cause the rotation shaft portion 95c to move. It is rotated from the initial rotation posture (see FIG. 10) to the center (see FIGS. 16 and 18). For this reason, each fixing claw portion 95 has one end projection 95 a that faces the both side surfaces of the mounting projection 61 of the toner cartridge 50, and the other end projection 95 b provided on the toner cartridge 50. The both side wall portions 71 of 62 are inserted (exist) into the back side of the fixed wall portion 75 (the negative side in the Z-axis direction of the hooked surface 75a) (see FIG. 16).

  Thereafter, when the toner cartridge 50 is moved to the positive side in the Z-axis direction as indicated by an arrow A5 shown in FIG. 12C, the toner cartridge 50 (its mounting protrusion 61) advances onto the supply port 96, The first shutter 62 stays at the limit position by the first step 99 and the second shutter 63 stays at the limit by the second step 98 (see FIGS. 12D, 13C, and 19). That is, in the toner cartridge 50, the first shutter 62 and the second shutter 63 move to the Z axis direction negative side while maintaining the release operation position (see FIG. 13C and the like). At this time, the fixing release piece 68 of each side wall portion 50c of the toner cartridge 50 has a front inclined side portion 68a whose rear inclined side portion 97d is a fixed release claw 97a of the fixing release claw portion 97 of the toner container fixing portion 90. In the Z-axis direction, and further moved to the positive side in the Z-axis direction in this state, each of the fixing release claws 97a (the front end portions (the front-side inclined side portion 97c and the rear-side inclined side portion 97d)) is moved to the toner. It pushes into the container fixing | fixed part 90 (refer FIG. 19).

  Thereafter, when the toner cartridge 50 is moved to the positive side in the Z-axis direction, the shutter seal 77 of the first shutter 62 is pressed against the mounting protrusion 61 around the discharge port 55 (see FIG. 17 and the like). While being released, the lower end surface (Y-axis direction negative surface) of the mounting projection 61 and the upper end surface (surface on the Y-axis direction positive side) of the replenishment port portion 96 contact each other while the mounting projection 61 The discharge port 55 is connected to the toner replenishing port 96a of the replenishing port portion 96 so as to face each other in the Y-axis direction (see FIG. 13C and FIGS. 20 to 22). Therefore, in the toner cartridge 50, the first shutter 62 is set to an open position for opening the discharge port 55, and the second shutter 63 is set to an open position for maintaining the release operation position with respect to the first shutter 62 (FIG. 13 (c) and FIGS. 20 to 22). At this time, in each arm portion 81, the inner surface viewed in the X-axis direction in the vicinity of the protruding end 81a is directed to the inclined wall surface 66c provided on the base end portion 66a of the support protrusion 66 (see FIG. 20 and the like). ). Further, the fixing release pieces 68 of the side wall portions 50c of the toner cartridge 50 each have a tip portion (a ridge line between the front inclined side portion 68a and the rear inclined side portion 68b) at each fixing release claw portion of the toner container fixing portion 90. Positions that do not interfere with the respective fixing release pawls 97a (each fixing release pawl portion 97) after exceeding the tip portion (the ridge line between the front inclined side portion 97c and the rear inclined side portion 97d) of the 97 fixing release pawls 97a. (See FIGS. 20 and 22). For this reason, each fixing release piece 68 has the rear side inclined side portion 68b opposed to the front side inclined side portion 97c of the fixing release claw 97a of each fixing release claw portion 97 in the Z-axis direction. It is releasably fixed to the container fixing portion 90 (see FIGS. 20 and 22).

  Thus, in a state where the discharge port 55 and the toner replenishment port 96a are connected (see FIG. 21 and the like), the other end projection 95b of each fixing claw portion 95 is in the open position at the limit position by the first step portion 99. The both side wall portions 71 of the first shutter 62 are inserted into the back side of the fixed wall portion 75 (the Z-axis direction negative side of the hooked surface 75a). Further, in a state where the discharge port 55 and the toner supply port 96a are connected (see FIG. 21 and the like), each of the arms 81 of the second shutter 63 that is opened at the restriction position by the second step 98. The hook piece portion 81b is inserted into each fixing groove 93 (see FIG. 20 and the like).

  As a result, the toner cartridge 50 is appropriately mounted on the toner container fixing portion 90, and the mounting operation of the toner cartridge 50 is completed. As described above, when the toner cartridge 50 is properly mounted, the toner supply device 43 causes the developer G discharged from the discharge port 55 of the toner cartridge 50 to be discharged from the toner supply port 96 a of the toner container fixing unit 90. It can be led inward (toner temporary storage section 44) (see FIG. 3). As a result, the developer G discharged from the toner cartridge 50 is supplied into the developing device 23 (see FIG. 3).

  Next, the operations of the shutter mechanism 60 and the toner container fixing unit 90 when the toner cartridge 50 is taken out from the toner container fixing unit 90 (toner replenishing device 43) will be described with reference to FIGS. This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 23 shows the toner cartridge 50 in a cross-sectional view similar to that in FIG. 8 and the toner container fixing portion 90 in a front view similar to FIG. 10 in order to explain how the toner cartridge 50 is taken out from the toner container fixing portion 90. FIG. 8 is a similar explanatory view showing a state where the toner cartridge 50 is started to move toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90 and the fixing of the toner cartridge 50 by the both fixing releasing claw portions 97 is released. FIG. 24 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 23, in which the toner cartridge 50 is moved to the negative side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90, and the fixing of the first shutter 62 by both fixing claws 95 is released. The state that was done is shown. FIG. 25 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 23, in which the toner cartridge 50 is moved to the negative side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90, and the second is formed by the hooking piece portions 81 b and the fixing groove portions 93. A state in which the shutter 63 is released is shown.

  In the toner container fixing portion 90, in order to take out the toner cartridge 50, the toner cartridge 50 is moved to the side opposite to the mounting direction, that is, the Z-axis direction negative side, and the Z-axis direction negative side is the take-out direction.

  First, as indicated by an arrow A6 in FIG. 12D, the toner cartridge 50 is moved from the toner container fixing portion 90 in the removal direction (Z-axis direction negative side). Then, the fixing release piece 68 of each side wall portion 50c of the toner cartridge 50 has a rear inclined side portion 68b and a front inclined side portion 97c of the fixing release claw 97a of each fixing release claw portion 97a of the toner container fixing portion 90 and the Z. By hitting in the axial direction and further moving to the negative side in the Z-axis direction in this state, each fixing release claw 97a (its front end portion (front inclined side portion 97c and rear inclined side portion 97d)) is fixed to the toner container. It pushes into the part 90 (refer FIG. 23). Thereafter, the toner cartridge 50 is further moved in the take-out direction (Z-axis direction negative side), so that the fixing release piece 68 of each side wall portion 50c has its tip portion (the front inclined side portion 68a and the rear inclined side portion 68b). Each of the fixing release claw portions 97 of the toner container fixing portion 90 exceeds the tip portion of the fixing release claw 97a (the ridge line of the front inclined side portion 97c and the rear inclined side portion 97d). By moving to the Z-axis direction negative side to a position where it does not interfere with the release claw 97a (each fixed release claw portion 97), the fixed state by each fixed release piece 68 and each fixed release claw portion 97 can be released. Yes (see FIG. 24, etc.).

  Further, when the toner cartridge 50 is moved in the removal direction (Z-axis direction negative side), the mounting protrusion 61 moves to the Z-axis direction negative side, and the discharge port 55 is a toner supply port 96a of the toner container fixing unit 90. And the state facing each other in the Y-axis direction are released (see FIG. 23). At this time, in the shutter mechanism 60, the other-end projection 95b of each fixing claw portion 95 of the toner container fixing portion 90 is behind the fixed wall portion 75 on the both side wall portions 71 of the first shutter 62 (Z of the hooked surface 75a). Since the other end projection 95b contacts the hooked surface 75a of the fixed wall portion 75 in the Z-axis direction, the first shutter 62 is in the Z-axis with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90. Movement to the negative direction is restricted. Further, in the shutter mechanism 60, the hooking piece portions 81 b of the both arm portions 81 of the second shutter 63 have entered the respective fixing groove portions 93 of the toner container fixing portion 90, so that the fixing wall surfaces of the respective fixing groove portions 93 are fixed. When the hooking piece portions 81b hit (interfer with) 93a in the Z-axis direction, the second shutter 63 is restricted from moving to the negative side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90. For this reason, in the toner cartridge 50, the first shutter 62 is fixed at the limit position by the first step portion 99, and the second shutter 63 is fixed at the limit position by the second step portion 98. This prevents the toner cartridge 50 from moving to the negative side in the Z-axis direction (see FIGS. 12D to 12C). That is, in the toner cartridge 50, the first shutter 62 and the second shutter 63 move to the positive side in the Z-axis direction while maintaining the release operation position (see FIGS. 13C to 13B). .

  Thereafter, the toner cartridge 50 is moved in the removal direction (Z-axis direction negative side), and the shutter seal 77 of the first shutter 62 is pressed around the discharge port 55 of the mounting protrusion 61 of the toner cartridge 50. In this state, the first shutter 62 is set to the sealing position, and the discharge port 55 is sealed by the shutter seal 77 (see FIG. 17 and the like) (FIGS. 12C, 13B and FIG. 24). Then, in the shutter mechanism 60, by setting the positions of the fixing claw portions 95 and the first step portion 99 of the toner container fixing portion 90 with respect to the mounting protrusion 61, both open protrusions 67 (the tip thereof) of the mounting protrusion 61 of the toner cartridge 50 are set. The surface 67a) is moved to the Z axis direction negative side from the one end projection 95a of each fixing claw portion 95 of the toner container fixing portion 90 (see FIG. 24). For this reason, since the mounting projection 61 (both open projections 67) pushes the one end projection 95a toward the Z axis direction positive side is released, both the fixed claw portions 95 rotate around the rotation shaft portion 95c and are initially It becomes a rotation posture (see FIG. 24). As a result, the other end projections 95b of the respective fixing claws 95 of the toner container fixing portion 90 are on the back side of the fixing wall portion 75 on the both side wall portions 71 of the first shutter 62 (the Z axis direction negative side of the hooked surface 75a). Since the entering state is released, the first shutter 62 can move to the negative side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90. At this time, the second shutter 63 is restricted from moving to the negative side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90 and remains fixed at the limit position by the second step portion 98 (see FIG. 24). ).

  Here, both the fixing claws 95 are provided with the other end projection 95b on the toner cartridge 50 by placing the one end projection 95a on both sides of the mounting projection 61 of the toner cartridge 50 as described above. The both side wall portions 71 of the first shutter 62 are inserted (exist) into the back side of the fixed wall portion 75 (the negative side in the Z-axis direction of the hooked surface 75a). Further, as described above, the attachment protrusion 61 is arranged such that the toner cartridge 50 is Z with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90 until the first shutter 62 fixed at the limit position by the first step portion 99 reaches the sealing position. By moving to the negative side in the axial direction, both open protrusions 67 (the front end surface 67a) are moved to the negative side in the Z-axis direction from the one end protrusion 95a of each fixing claw part 95 of the toner container fixing part 90. From this, the mounting projection 61 has its both side surfaces addressed to one end projection 95a of each fixed claw portion 95 until the first shutter 62 is in the sealing position, and Prevents rotation to the initial rotation position. For this reason, in the shutter mechanism 60, the first shutter 62 is fixed to the limit position by the first step portion 99 by the both fixing claws 95 until the first shutter 62 reaches the sealing position in the toner cartridge 50. In other words, in the shutter mechanism 60, the first shutter 62 is prevented from being unlocked at the limit position by the first step portion 99 before the first shutter 62 reaches the sealing position. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 50 is moved to the negative side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90, the first shutter 62 is surely set at the sealing position, and the shutter seal 77 fixes the mounting protrusion. The outlet 55 of the part 61 is securely sealed.

  Thereafter, as indicated by an arrow A7 in FIG. 12C, when the toner cartridge 50 is moved in the removal direction (Z-axis direction negative side), the first shutter 62 of the shutter mechanism 60 together with the toner cartridge 50 moves in the Z-axis direction. It moves to the negative side, and the second shutter 63 remains at the limit position by the second step portion 98 (see FIGS. 12C to 12B). That is, in the toner cartridge 50, the second shutter 63 moves to the Z axis direction positive side while the first shutter 62 is kept at the sealing position (see FIGS. 13B to 13A). Then, due to the relative movement of the first shutter 62 and the second shutter 63 in the Z-axis direction, the release protrusion 73 of the first shutter 62 and the release operation protrusion 79 of the second shutter 63 face each other in the Y-axis direction. The release operation position is released (see FIG. 24 and the like), the main body 72b of the fixed piece 72 is returned to the original position (fixed posture (see FIG. 15 and the like)) by elastic force, and the main body of the fixed piece 72 is restored. Both pressing leg portions 72c of 72b are in contact with both pressed portions 65b of the fixing projections 65 provided on the lower wall portion 50b in the Z-axis direction (FIGS. 8, 9, 14 and FIG. 24 etc.). Therefore, the first shutter 62 is a sealing position where the discharge port 55 is sealed by the shutter seal 77, and the pressing leg portions 72c of the main body portion 72b of the fixed piece portion 72 are fixed to the fixing protrusions of the lower wall portion 50b. By making contact with both pressed portions 65b of 65 in the Z-axis direction, the toner cartridge 50 is prevented from moving to the negative side in the Z-axis direction.

  Thereafter, when the toner cartridge 50 is moved in the take-out direction (Z-axis direction negative side), the first shutter 62 of the shutter mechanism 60 enters between the arms 81 of the second shutter 63, so that both arms The state where each protruding end 81a of the portion 81 hits each side wall 71 of the first shutter 62 is released (see FIG. 25). For this reason, both the arm portions 81 of the second shutter 63 can move their respective projecting ends 81a to the inner side in the X-axis direction, so that the hooking piece portion 81b is fixed to the toner container. Since the state of entering each fixing groove 93 of the portion 90 is released, the second shutter 63 can move to the Z-axis direction negative side with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90 (see FIG. 25). At this time, the second shutter 63 has the flat plate portion 78 on the Y axis direction negative side of the release projection 73 provided on the fixed piece portion 72, and the release projection on the outer side of the toner cartridge 50 (the lower wall portion 50b). This is a covering position that prevents the exposure of 73 (see FIGS. 12B, 13A, and 25).

  Thereafter, as shown by an arrow A8 in FIG. 12B, the toner cartridge 50 can be taken out from the toner container fixing portion 90 by moving in the removal direction (Z-axis direction negative side) (FIG. 12A). )reference). At this time, in the shutter mechanism 60, since the first shutter 62 is in the sealing position, the shutter seal 77 is pressed against the mounting protrusion 61 around the discharge port 55, and the discharge port 55 is sealed. (See FIGS. 12A, 13A, 15 and 25). Further, in the shutter mechanism 60, since the second shutter 63 is in the covering position, the first shutter 62 including the release protrusion 73 is covered with the second shutter 63 (see FIGS. 4, 15 and 25). . For this reason, the toner cartridge 50 is in a state in which the discharge port 55 is sealed by the shutter mechanism 60, similar to that before the toner cartridge fixing unit 90 (toner supply device 43) is mounted (see FIG. 4 and the like). Thus, the operation for taking out the toner cartridge 50 is completed.

  In the toner cartridge 50 (50Y, 50M, 50C, 50BK) as the powder container according to the present invention, the release protrusion 73 of the first shutter 62 in the sealing position where the discharge port 55 is sealed is the first in the covering position. Since it is covered with the two shutters 63, it is possible to prevent the release protrusion 73 from being accidentally touched, and thus it is possible to prevent the release protrusion 73 from being accidentally pressed. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the first shutter 62 from being moved from the sealing position to the open position, and thus it is possible to prevent the discharge port 55 from being accidentally opened.

  In the toner cartridge 50 (50Y, 50M, 50C, 50BK), the first shutter 62 is released by the release operation projection 79 of the second shutter 63 by moving the second shutter 63 from the covering position to the release operation position. Since the projection 73 can be pushed to release the fixing of the first shutter 62 at the sealing position, the opening / closing function of the discharge port 55 as the shutter mechanism 60 is not impaired.

  Further, in the toner cartridge 50 (50Y, 50M, 50C, 50BK), since the second shutter 63 covers and covers the entire first shutter 62 at the sealing position including the release protrusion 73, the first shutter 62 is in the open position. Even when the developer G adheres to the first shutter 62 when the discharge port 55 is sealed by moving from the sealing position to the sealing position, it is possible to prevent the developer G from being touched, Usability can be improved.

  In the toner cartridge 50 (50Y, 50M, 50C, 50BK), since the second shutter 63 has a flat plate shape, it is not easy to move the second shutter 63 from the covering position to the release operation position. Thus, it is possible to more effectively prevent the discharge port 55 from being accidentally opened.

  In the toner cartridge 50 (50Y, 50M, 50C, 50BK), both arm portions 81 (respective protruding ends 81a) are the front end portions (end portions on the positive side in the Z-axis direction) of the respective side wall portions 71 of the first shutter 62. It exists on the positive side in the Z-axis direction, and its both arm portions 81 come into contact with the front end portions of the side wall portions 71, thereby moving the second shutter 63 toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the mounting protrusion 61 (toner cartridge 50). Since it is restrained, it is not easy to move the second shutter 63 from the covering position to the release operation position, so that the discharge port 55 can be prevented from being accidentally opened more effectively. .

  In the toner cartridge 50 (50Y, 50M, 50C, 50BK), both ends of the projecting ends 81a abut against the side walls 71 of the first shutter 62 due to the movement of the first shutter 62 relative to the second shutter 63 toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction. By deforming the portion 81, the hooking piece portion 81b provided therein is displaced outward from the side wall portion 80 (both arm portions 81 having the same position in the X-axis direction) as viewed in the X-axis direction. Therefore, the movement of the second shutter 63 from the covering position to the release operation position prevents the second shutter 63 from moving to the negative side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90. Can be possible.

  In the toner cartridge 50 (50Y, 50M, 50C, 50BK), the first shutter 62 (each side wall portion 71) is used to deform and release both the arm portions 81 of the second shutter 63. Thus, the shutter mechanism 60 can have a simpler configuration.

  In the toner cartridge 50 (50Y, 50M, 50C, 50BK), the direction in which the first shutter 62 can move and the direction in which the second shutter 63 can move coincide with the mounting direction (parallel to each other). Therefore, it is possible to easily move the first shutter 62 and the second shutter 63 in accordance with the movement in the mounting direction.

  In the toner cartridge 50 (50Y, 50M, 50C, 50BK), the front end surface 67a of both open protrusions 67 is present below the shielding opening 59 in which the conveying screw 56 is provided, below the front end surface 50a on the front side in the mounting direction. Since the front end surface 74a of the installation portion 74 of the first shutter 62 exists below and the front end surface 78a of the flat plate portion 78 of the second shutter 63 exists below, the surface orthogonal to the mounting direction. It is possible to move the first shutter 62 and the second shutter 63 along with the movement in the mounting direction only by providing the first step portion 99 and the second step portion 98 at different height positions. it can.

  In the toner cartridge 50 (50Y, 50M, 50C, 50BK), the end on the positive side in the Z-axis direction of the release protrusion 73 of the first shutter 62 is an inclined surface 73a and the release operation protrusion 79 of the second shutter 63. Since the end on the negative side in the Z-axis direction is an inclined surface 79a, when the second shutter 63 moves from the covering position to the release operation position, the release protrusion 73 and the release operation protrusion 79 are caught with each other. Can be prevented.

  In the toner cartridge 50 (50Y, 50M, 50C, 50BK), since the inclined surface 80b is provided at the end on the Y axis direction positive side of the both side wall portions 80 of the second shutter 63, the inclined surface 80b is defined as Y. By reaching the flat plate portion 66b of the pair of support protrusions 66 of the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50 from the negative side in the axial direction and pushing the second shutter 63 to the positive side in the Y-axis direction, the lower wall portion 50b (the pair thereof) Can be attached to the support projection 66).

  In the toner cartridge 50 (50Y, 50M, 50C, 50BK), when the shutter mechanism 60 opens the discharge port 55, the two arm portions 81 of the second shutter 63 are viewed in the X-axis direction in the vicinity of the protruding end 81a. Since the inner surface is directed to the inclined wall surface 66c provided at the base end portion 66a of the support protrusion 66, both arms are maintained while maintaining the state in which the respective hooking piece portions 81b enter the respective fixing groove portions 93. It is possible to prevent the portion 81 from being stretched (not returning from the stretched state to the initial state).

  In the toner cartridge 50 (50Y, 50M, 50C, 50BK), when the shutter mechanism 60 opens the discharge port 55, the two arm portions 81 of the second shutter 63 are viewed in the X-axis direction in the vicinity of the protruding end 81a. Since the inner surface is directed to the inclined wall surface 66c provided on the base end portion 66a of the support protrusion 66, both the arm portions 81 are stabilized and the respective hooking piece portions 81b are caused to enter the respective fixing groove portions 93. The state can be maintained.

  In the toner cartridge 50 (50Y, 50M, 50C, 50BK), both the arms 81 of the second shutter 63 suppress the movement of the second shutter 63 from the covering position to the release operation position, and the second shutter 63 The second shutter 63 can have a simple configuration since it has a function of preventing the toner container fixing portion 90 from moving to the negative side in the Z-axis direction.

  Since the toner cartridge 50 (50Y, 50M, 50C, 50BK) has a box shape as a whole, it is assumed that the toner cartridge 50 (50Y, 50M, 50C, 50BK) is carried so as to support the lower wall portion 50b from below. The provision of the mechanism 60 can be made more effective.

  In the toner replenishing device 43 as the powder replenishing device according to the present invention, the toner container fixing portion 90 is formed by the second receiving recess 92 that receives the second shutter 63 and the first receiving recess 94 that receives the first shutter 62. Since the second step portion 98 is applied to the second shutter 63 (the front end surface 78a of the flat plate portion 78) in the mounting direction of the toner cartridge 50, the toner container fixing portion 90 (toner replenishing device 43) is opposed to the second step portion 98. The second shutter 63 can be moved from the covering position to the release operation position simply by moving the toner cartridge 50 in the mounting direction.

  In the toner replenishing device 43, when the first shutter 62 enters the first receiving recess 94, the first shutter 62 moves to the Z axis direction positive side with respect to the second shutter 63 at the limit position by the second step portion 98. Therefore, the first shutter 62 (the respective side wall portions 71) deforms the both arm portions 81 of the second shutter 63, and the side wall portion 80 as seen in the X-axis direction of the hooking piece portion 81b provided there. It can be displaced (projected) outward from both arm portions 81 whose positions viewed in the X-axis direction are the same, and the respective hooking piece portions 81b enter the respective fixing groove portions 93 of the toner container fixing portion 90. be able to. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the second shutter 63 from moving to the negative side in the Z-axis direction at the limit position by the second step portion 98.

  In the toner replenishing device 43, the toner container fixing portion 90 includes a first step portion 99 formed by a first receiving recess 94 for receiving the first shutter 62 and a replenishing port portion 96 provided with a toner replenishing port 96a. 50, the toner cartridge 50 is moved in the mounting direction with respect to the toner container fixing unit 90 (toner supply device 43). Only the first shutter 62 can be moved from the sealed position to the open position.

  In the toner replenishing device 43, when the first shutter 62 (the front end surface 74a of the installation portion 74) advances to a position where it contacts the first step portion 99, the second shutter 63 at the limit position by the second step portion 98 is relatively second. Since the first shutter 62 is moved from the covering position to the release operation position, it is possible to move the first shutter 62 relative to the toner cartridge 50 to the negative side in the Z-axis direction. It is possible to allow the first shutter 62 to remain at the limit position by the first step 99 during the movement.

  In the toner replenishing device 43, when the first shutter 62 (the front end surface 74a of the installation portion 74) advances to a position where it hits the first step portion 99, both open projections 67 (the front end surface 67a thereof) of the mounting projection 61 of the toner cartridge 50. ) Pushes one end projection 95a of each fixing claw portion 95 of the toner container fixing portion 90 to the positive side in the Z-axis direction to rotate each fixing claw portion 95, whereby each other end projection 95b is provided on the toner cartridge 50. It is possible to enter the back side of the fixed wall portion 75 in the both side wall portions 71 of the first shutter 62 (the Z-axis direction negative side of the hooked surface 75a). For this reason, it is possible to prevent the first shutter 62 from moving to the negative side in the Z-axis direction at the limit position by the first step portion 99.

  In the toner replenishing device 43, both the opening protrusions 67 (the front end surface 67a) of the mounting protrusion 61 of the toner cartridge 50 and the fixing claws 95 prevent the first shutter 62 from moving to the negative side in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the discharge port 55 provided in the mounting protrusion 61 becomes the position (sealing position) before mounting with respect to the first shutter 62 at the limit position by the first step portion 99. Since the first stage 99 of the shutter 62 can move from the limit position to the negative side in the Z-axis direction, the toner cartridge 50 can be moved in the removal direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90. The 1st shutter 62 can be made into the position (sealing position) before mounting | wearing.

  The toner replenishing device 43 prevents the second shutter 63 from moving to the negative side in the Z-axis direction by the hooking piece portions 81b of the both arm portions 81 and the respective fixing groove portions 93 (the fixing wall surfaces 93a thereof). Since the first shutter 62 enters the second shutter 63, the second shutter 63 can be moved from the limit position to the negative side in the Z-axis direction by the second step portion 98, and thus the toner cartridge 50. The second shutter 63 can be brought into a position before being attached (covering position) simply by moving the toner container fixing portion 90 in the take-out direction.

  In the toner replenishing device 43, the toner container fixing portion 90 is provided with a second step portion 98 in front of the toner container fixing portion 90 when viewed in the mounting direction (from the Z-axis direction negative side to the positive side). Since the first step portion 99 is provided, the second shutter 63 is moved from the covering position to the release operation position only by moving the toner cartridge 50 in the mounting direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90 (toner supply device 43). The first shutter 62 is moved from the sealing position to the open position to open the discharge port 55 after the first shutter 62 is allowed to move to the negative side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner cartridge 50. be able to.

  In the toner replenishing device 43, the toner container fixing portion 90 is provided with a second step portion 98 in front of the toner container fixing portion 90 when viewed in the mounting direction (from the Z-axis direction negative side to the positive side). Since the first stage 99 is provided, the first cartridge 99 is simply moved to the toner container fixing portion 90 (toner replenishing device 43) in the removal direction (from the positive side of the Z-axis direction to the negative side). After the shutter 62 is moved from the open position to the sealing position to seal the discharge port 55, the second shutter 63 is moved from the release operation position to the covering position, and the release protrusion 73 is moved by the second shutter 63. The first shutter 62 including can be covered.

  Therefore, in the toner cartridge 50 (50Y, 50M, 50C, 50BK) as the powder container according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the discharge port 55 as the powder discharge port is prevented from being accidentally opened. be able to.

  Next, with respect to the toner cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK) according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the image forming apparatus 102 (the toner container fixing portion 902) to which the toner cartridge 502 can be attached, FIGS. It explains using. In the second embodiment, the configuration of the toner cartridge 502, the image forming apparatus 102 that can be mounted thereon, and the toner container fixing portion 902 of the toner replenishing device 43 in the image forming apparatus 102 is the same as that of the toner cartridge 50 of the first embodiment. This is an example different from the configuration of the forming apparatus 10 and the toner container fixing unit 90. The basic configuration of the toner cartridge 502, the image forming apparatus 102, and the toner container fixing portion 902 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the toner cartridge 50, the image forming apparatus 10, and the toner container fixing portion 90 of the first embodiment. For this reason, parts having the same configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 26 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the toner cartridge 502 according to the second exemplary embodiment is viewed from the upper surface side and the front surface (surface on the Z axis direction positive side). FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the toner cartridge 502 as viewed from the upper surface side and the front surface, which is viewed from the side different from FIG. 26 in the left-right direction. FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a state in which the toner cartridge 502 is viewed from the bottom side and from the front side (Z-axis direction positive side) side. FIG. 29 is a front view showing the toner cartridge 502 viewed from the front side. FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge 502 viewed from the top side and from the front side, partially cut away along the line VV (the plane including the VV line and the Z-axis direction) shown in FIG. It is. 31A and 31B are explanatory views for explaining the configuration of the connecting portion 522a of the stirring member 52. FIG. 31A is a perspective view from the front side (the surface on the positive side in the Z-axis direction), and FIG. (C) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in (a).

  FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration and operation of the connecting portion 522a of the stirring member 52 and the stirring drive coupling 301 provided in the toner replenishing device 43, and (a) is a description of the stirring drive cup. The ring 301 and the connecting portion 522a are schematically shown from the direction orthogonal to the Z-axis, and (b) shows the hooking protrusion 301a of the stirring drive coupling 301 and the connecting portion 522a from the arrow A9 shown in (a). FIG. 5C schematically shows the state of viewing the hooking protrusion 522b of FIG. 5, and FIG. 5C shows the state of relative movement due to the guiding action of the inclined surface 301c of the hooking protrusion 301a and the inclined surface 522d of the hooking protrusion 522b. (D) shows a state where the stirring drive coupling 301 and the connecting portion 522a are connected, and (e) shows an inclined surface 522f on the protruding end portion 522c of the pair of hooking protrusions 522b. Provided with, shows how the relative movement in the same manner as structure in which a inclined surface 301d on the protruding end 301b of the pair of hooking protrusions 301a and (c). FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing a state in which the toner cartridge 502 is viewed from the upper surface side and the back surface (surface on the negative side in the Z-axis direction). FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing the toner cartridge 502 as viewed from the side different from FIG. 33 in the left-right direction on the upper surface side and the back surface. FIG. 35 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the bottom surface of the toner cartridge 502. FIG. FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of the first shutter 622 of the shutter mechanism 602 of the toner cartridge 502. FIGS. 37A and 37B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the configuration of the second shutter 632 of the shutter mechanism 602. FIG. 37A is a front view of the second shutter 632 viewed from the upper surface side, and FIG. The state seen from the rear side (Z-axis direction negative side) is shown in a perspective view, and (c) is a perspective view showing the state seen from the upper surface side and the mounting direction front side.

  FIG. 38 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 8 illustrating a state of the shutter mechanism 602 configured by assembling the first shutter 622 and the second shutter 632 on the bottom surface of the storage unit 51 (toner cartridge 502). FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross section (along the YZ plane including the VII-VII line) obtained along the VII-VII line in FIG. FIG. 40 is a perspective view showing the toner container fixing portion 902 of the toner replenishing device 43. FIG. 41 is a front view showing a state in which the toner container fixing portion 902 is viewed from the upper side (Y axis direction positive side). FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 102. FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the container housing portion 220 and the toner cartridge 502 of the image forming apparatus 102. FIG. 43A shows a state in which the toner cartridge 502 is inserted into the container housing portion 220. FIG. 6B shows a state in which the toner cartridge 502 is mounted in the container housing portion 220. FIG. 44 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of the container housing portion 220 (toner container fixing portion 902) of the image forming apparatus 102. FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the restraining rail 209 of the side wall 50c of the toner cartridge 502 and the restraining rail 221 of the container housing portion 220. FIG. 45A shows the restraining rail 209 and the restraining rail 221. (B) shows a state where the restraining rail 209 is in contact with the restraining rail 221, and (c) shows a state where the restraining rail 209 and the restraining rail 221 overlap in the Y axis direction. It shows the state.

  In FIG. 30, the inner configuration of the storage portion 51 (toner cartridge 502) and the portions other than the connection portion 522a in the stirring member 52 are omitted. 42, the configuration of the developing device 23, the toner replenishing device 43, the container housing portion 220, and the toner cartridges 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, and 502BK) housed therein are simplified in the image forming apparatus 102. In addition, configurations other than those are omitted. Further, in FIG. 43, for easy understanding, each part of the container housing part 220 and each part of the toner container fixing part 902 are shown in a simplified manner while being emphasized, but they are not necessarily the same as the actual configuration and other drawings. is not.

  As shown in FIGS. 26 to 29, the toner cartridge 502 has a box shape as a whole. The toner cartridge 502 is provided with an accommodating portion 51 (see FIG. 30 and the like) in the same manner as the toner cartridge 50 of the first embodiment. In the toner cartridge 502 (its containing portion 51), in addition to the electronic substrate 572 and the connecting opening 582 on the front end surface 50a (front end surface (the surface on the positive side in the Z-axis direction)), the first reference hole 201 and the second A reference hole 202 and an air supply / exhaust unit 203 are provided.

  The electronic substrate 572 is basically the same as the electronic substrate 57 of the first embodiment, and the outside is covered with a substrate cover 572a. The electronic substrate 572 is movable along the XY plane inside the substrate cover 572a. In the electronic board 572, a positioning hole 572b is provided at the center. The positioning hole 572b allows a positioning projection provided in a container housing portion 220 (see FIG. 44, etc.), which will be described later, of the toner replenishing device 43 to be inserted in the Z-axis direction. Then, it is set as the dimension which mutually fits in the direction along an XY plane. In the electronic board 572, when the positioning protrusion is fitted into the positioning hole 572b, the position relative to the communication board provided in the container housing portion 220 (see FIG. 44) (toner replenishing device 43) described later is made appropriate. . This appropriate position refers to a state in which the contact terminal provided on the communication board is in proper contact with the electronic board 572 (its contact terminal). The term “appropriate contact” refers to a state in which communication between the communication board and the electronic board 572, that is, exchange of information (data) can be appropriately performed via both contact terminals. For this reason, in the electronic substrate 572, the positioning protrusion is fitted into the positioning hole 572b, whereby the image forming apparatus 102 (see FIG. 42 and the like) (the control unit) is connected via the communication substrate provided in the toner supply device 43. It is possible to exchange information by communication. The positional relationship of the positioning protrusion is set in the toner replenishing device 43 with reference to a later-described first reference determining protrusion provided corresponding to the first reference hole 201, and the toner cartridge 502 is connected to the toner replenishing device 43. When properly mounted, the electronic board 572 can be placed in an appropriate position. Therefore, the positional relationship of the electronic substrate 572 (its positioning hole 572b) with respect to the toner cartridge 502 (its front end face 50a (front end face (Z-axis direction positive face))) is set with respect to the first reference hole 201. ing. The configuration of the electronic substrate 572 and the communication substrate (substrate cover 572a and positioning hole 572b) is provided in place of the electronic substrate 57 and the antenna substrate in the toner cartridge 50 and the toner replenishing device 43 of the image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment. be able to. Similarly, the electronic substrate 57 and the antenna substrate of the first embodiment are replaced with the electronic substrate 572 and the communication substrate in the toner cartridge 502 of the second embodiment and the toner supply device 43 (container housing unit 220) of the image forming apparatus 102. Can be provided.

  Similarly to the connection opening 58 of the first embodiment, the connection opening 582 is configured so that the connection portion 522a of the stirring member 52 provided inside the storage 51 is connected to the front surface of the storage 51 (the surface on the Z axis direction positive side). ) To be exposed. The configuration of the connection location 522a will be described later. In the connection opening 582, a protective wall 582a is provided so as to surround the opening where the connection portion 522a can be exposed. The protective wall 582a is formed so as to protrude from the front surface of the toner cartridge 502 (its storage portion 51) to the positive side in the Z-axis direction, and the connection portion 522a exposed from the connection opening 582 is orthogonal to the Z-axis. Surrounding direction. For this reason, in the connection opening part 582, it can prevent contacting with the connection location 522a of the stirring member 52 from the direction orthogonal to a Z-axis by the protective wall part 582a, and can protect the connection location 522a. The connection opening 582 (the connection portion 522a of the stirring member 52 provided therein) is a toner cartridge 502 (the front end surface 50a (the front end surface (the Z-axis direction positive surface))) with the first reference hole 201 as a reference. The positional relationship at is set. The configuration and effects of the protective wall 582a of the connection opening 582 are the same as those of the connection opening 58 of the first embodiment, as is apparent from FIG.

  The first reference hole 201 is formed inward of a cylindrical first reference wall portion 201a extending in the Z-axis direction on the front surface of the toner cartridge 502 (its storage portion 51). As shown in FIG. 30, the first reference wall portion 201a protrudes from the front wall portion forming the front surface of the toner cartridge 502 (the storage portion 51) to the positive side in the Z-axis direction, and the front wall portion Projecting from the Z-axis direction negative side (inward of the accommodating portion 51). In the first reference wall portion 201a, the inner space extending in the Z-axis direction has a circular shape when viewed in a cross section orthogonal to the Z-axis (see FIG. 29 and the like). For this reason, the first reference hole 201 has a circular shape when viewed in a cross section orthogonal to the Z axis, and extends in the Z axis direction.

  Further, the first reference wall portion 201 a is continuous with the inner surface of the housing portion 51, that is, the toner cartridge 502 inside the housing portion 51. A portion of the first reference wall 201a existing inside the housing portion 51 is continuous with the inner surface of the toner cartridge 502 (housing portion 51) over the entire area viewed in the Z-axis direction. In addition, in the first reference wall portion 201a, an inclined surface portion 201b is provided at the end on the positive side in the Z-axis direction. The inclined surface portion 201b is inclined to increase the inner space, that is, the inner diameter dimension of the first reference hole 201 toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction.

  The first reference hole 201 allows a first reference determination protrusion provided in a container housing portion 220 (see FIG. 44), which will be described later, of the toner replenishing device 43 to be inserted in the Z-axis direction. The first reference-determining protrusions have a long cylindrical shape extending in the Z-axis direction, and have a size that fits in the direction along the XY plane when inserted into the first reference hole 201. For this reason, in the toner cartridge 502, the first reference determining projections are fitted into the first reference holes 201 that extend in the Z-axis direction, so that the toner supply device 43 (container housing described later) It can be made to correspond to the Z-axis direction in the part 220 (refer FIG. 44). In the first reference hole 201, since the inclined surface portion 201b is provided at the end on the positive side in the Z-axis direction, the toner cartridge 502 is attached to a container housing portion 220 (toner supply device 43) described later. At this time, it is easy to receive the first reference determining protrusion.

  As shown in FIGS. 26 to 30, the second reference hole 202 is formed inward of a cylindrical second reference wall 202 a extending in the Z-axis direction on the front surface of the toner cartridge 502 (the accommodating portion 51). ing. The second reference wall 202a is provided on the opposite side of the first reference hole 201 from the first reference wall 201a when viewed in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 30, the second reference wall portion 202a protrudes from the front wall portion of the toner cartridge 502 (its storage portion 51) to the positive side in the Z-axis direction and is negative from the front wall portion in the Z-axis direction. It protrudes to the side (inward of the accommodating part 51). In the second reference wall 202a, when the inner space extending in the Z-axis direction is viewed in a cross section orthogonal to the Z-axis, the center position and the center position of the first reference wall 201a of the first reference hole 201 are determined. The connecting line segment Ls (see FIG. 29) is long in the extending direction, and both ends in the line segment Ls direction are formed into a semicircular shape to form a long hole having a long diameter in the so-called line segment Ls direction. For this reason, the second reference hole 202 is a long hole having a long diameter in the direction of the line segment Ls when viewed in a cross section orthogonal to the Z-axis.

  Further, the second reference wall 202a is connected to the inner surface of the container 51, that is, the toner cartridge 502, on the inner side of the container 51, on the side opposite to the first reference wall 201a when viewed in the left-right direction. . A portion of the second reference wall 202a existing inside the housing 51 is continuous with the inner surface of the toner cartridge 502 (housing 51) over the entire area viewed in the Z-axis direction. In addition, in the second reference wall portion 202a, an inclined surface portion 202b is provided at the end on the positive side in the Z-axis direction. The inclined surface portion 202b is inclined to increase the inner space, that is, the inner diameter dimension of the second reference hole 202 toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction.

  The second reference hole 202 allows a second reference determining protrusion provided in a container housing portion 220 (see FIG. 44) described later of the toner replenishing device 43 to be inserted in the Z-axis direction. The second reference determining projection has a long cylindrical shape extending in the Z-axis direction, and when inserted into the second reference hole 202, the direction perpendicular to the line segment Ls (see FIG. 29) along the XY plane. The dimensions are such that they fit each other. In other words, the second reference determining protrusion can move to the line segment Ls (see FIG. 29) in the second reference hole 202 in a state where the second reference determination protrusion is inserted into the second reference hole 202. For this reason, in the second reference hole 202, the first reference hole 201 and the second reference hole 202 with respect to the interval between the first reference determination protrusion and the second reference determination protrusion in the container housing portion 220 (see FIG. 44) described later. The second reference determination protrusion can be received by absorbing the difference in the distance. For this reason, in the toner cartridge 502, the first reference determination projection is fitted into the first reference hole 201 and the second reference determination projection is fitted into the second reference hole 202, whereby the toner replenishing device 43 (a container to be described later). It is possible to assume a predetermined posture with respect to the housing part 220 (see FIG. 44). In the second reference hole 202, since the inclined surface portion 202b is provided at the end on the positive side in the Z-axis direction, the toner cartridge 502 is attached to a container housing portion 220 (toner supply device 43) described later. At this time, it is easy to receive the second reference determining protrusion.

  The configurations of the first reference hole 201 and the second reference hole 202 can be applied to the toner cartridge 50 of the first embodiment. The first reference hole 201 and the second reference hole 202 may be configured so long as the toner cartridge 502 can be in a predetermined posture with respect to a container housing unit 220 (toner supply device 43) described later. May be different (for example, provided at positions opposite to each other), the second reference hole 202 may not be a long hole, and is not limited to the configuration of the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 26 to 29, the air supply / exhaust unit 203 is provided in the vicinity of the upper end (the end on the positive side in the Y-axis direction) on the front surface of the toner cartridge 502 (the storage unit 51). The air supply / exhaust unit 203 includes an air supply / exhaust hole 203a that passes through the front wall of the toner cartridge 502 (its storage unit 51), and a filter 203b that is provided at the end on the positive side in the Z-axis direction. The air supply / exhaust hole 203a is in a position where the developer G is not blocked by the developer G when the developer G is sufficiently stored (filled) in the storage portion 51 of the toner cartridge 502 (for example, at the time of shipment). It is provided at a position where it is not buried in the filled developer G. This unoccluded position is based on the premise that the Y axis direction positive side of the toner cartridge 502 is directed upward in the vertical direction. The filter 203b allows the passage of air while preventing the developer G accommodated in the accommodating portion 51 from passing therethrough. Therefore, the air supply / exhaust unit 203 can supply the air to the storage unit 51 and discharge the air from the storage unit 51 while preventing the developer G from leaking. It should be noted that the air supply / exhaust hole 203a (supply / exhaust portion 203) may be provided on the upper surface of the toner cartridge 502 as long as it is not blocked by the sufficiently accommodated (filled) developer G. It may be provided at a place and is not limited to the configuration of the second embodiment.

  A shielding opening 592 is provided at the bottom of the housing 51 continuously to the discharge passage 54 (see FIGS. 3 and 9), similarly to the housing 51 of the first embodiment. In the same way as the shielding opening 59 of the first embodiment, the shielding opening 592 is connected to the connection portion 562a of the transport screw 56 rotatably disposed in the discharge passage 54 on the front surface (on the Z axis direction positive side). Surface). Moreover, the shielding opening 592 can shield the upper part of the connection part 562a with the flange part 592a, similarly to the shielding opening part 59 of the first embodiment. The edge 592a is cut out at one end (left side as viewed in front of FIG. 28) when viewed in the left-right direction. For this reason, in the shield opening 592, it is possible to prevent contact with the connecting portion 562 a of the conveying screw 56 from the other side as viewed in the upper and left and right directions by the flange portion 592 a, The connection location 562a can be protected. The shielding opening 592 (the connecting portion 562a of the conveying screw 56 provided there) is a toner cartridge 502 (the front end face 50a (front end face (Z-axis direction positive face))) with the first reference hole 201 as a reference. The positional relationship at is set. In addition, since one end of the flange portion 592a is cut out in the shielding opening 592, the toner cartridge 502 is attached to a container housing portion 220 (toner supply device 43 (see FIG. 44)) described later. In this case, a gear train of a drive source (agitating drive coupling 301 and the like described later (see FIG. 32)) provided in the container housing portion 220 is made to be present in the vicinity of the connection location 562a of the transport screw 56 (arrangement). To be able to). In other words, one end of the heel portion 592a is notched, so that the degree of freedom of the arrangement of the drive source gear train in the container housing portion 220 (toner supply device 43) can be increased.

  The connection location 562a has the same configuration as the connection location 522a of the stirring member 52 in the second embodiment. For this reason, below, the structure and effect | action of the connection location 522a are demonstrated, and it abbreviate | omits regarding the structure and effect | action of the connection location 562a. The connection location 522a (connection location 562a) has a pair of hooking projections 522b as shown in FIGS. The two hooking protrusions 522b are provided in pairs with the axis of the stirring member 52 as the center, and are displaced toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction as the protruding ends 522c on the positive side in the Z-axis approach each other. And is tilted. Each protruding end portion 522c is provided with an inclined surface 522d that forms a pair when viewed in the circumferential direction centering on the axis of the stirring member 52. Both the inclined surfaces 522d are inclined surfaces that are displaced toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction toward the outer side of the corresponding protruding end portion 522c when viewed in the circumferential direction.

  The connecting portion 522a is connected to an agitation drive coupling 301 provided in a container housing portion 220 (see FIG. 44) described later of the toner supply device 43 (see FIG. 32D). This agitation drive coupling 301 is provided in a container housing portion 220 (toner replenishing device 43), which will be described later, and has the same configuration as the transport drive coupling to which the connection location 562a of the transport screw 56 is connected. As shown in FIG. 32A, the agitation drive coupling 301 is paired with a central axis Ca (corresponding to the axis of the agitation member 52) in the agitation drive coupling 301 as the center, similarly to the connection portion 522a. The hooking protrusion 301a is provided. The agitation drive coupling 301 is driven to rotate about a central axis Ca in a container housing unit 220 (toner supply device 43), which will be described later. Thus, it is possible to rotate around the central axis Ca. In addition, the agitation drive coupling 301 is provided with play in the rotation direction about the central axis Ca when the container housing portion 220 (toner supply device 43) is not driven to rotate. For this reason, the agitation drive coupling 301 can be rotated slightly (rotational movement of both hooking projections 301a) by the external force acting.

  The two hooking protrusions 301a are displaced and inclined toward the Z-axis direction negative side as the protruding end portions 301b on the Z-axis direction positive side approach each other. For this reason, the protruding end portions 301b of the both hooking protrusions 301a have a pair of hooking protrusions when the axis of the stirring member 52 is aligned with the central axis Ca and the stirring drive coupling 301 is opposed to the connecting portion 522a. It is arranged in parallel with the protruding end portion 522c of 522b in the central axis Ca direction. From this state, when the agitation drive coupling 301 and the connecting portion 522a are approached and the protruding end 301b and the protruding end 522c come into contact with each other, the guide action of the pair of protruding ends 301b and the pair of protruding ends 522c is achieved. As a result, a force is applied to guide both hooking protrusions 301a to the inside of both hooking protrusions 522b. For this reason, even if both hooking protrusions 301a (its protruding end 301b) and both hooking protrusions 522b (its protruding end 522c) are in contact as described above, the stirring drive coupling 301 and the connecting portion It is possible to prevent a force that shifts the central axis Ca and the axis of the stirring member 52 from acting between the 522a and 522a.

  As shown in FIG. 32 (b), each projecting end 301b is provided with an inclined surface 301c that forms a pair when viewed in the circumferential direction (rotational direction) about the central axis Ca. The two inclined surfaces 301c are inclined surfaces that are displaced toward the Z axis direction positive side toward the outer side of the corresponding protruding end portion 301b when viewed in the circumferential direction. The inclination is equal to both inclined surfaces 522d at the protruding end portion 522c of the portion 522b. For this reason, as described above, when the central axis Ca and the axis of the stirring member 52 are aligned, the protruding end 301b of the stirring drive coupling 301 and the protruding end 522c of the connecting portion 522a contact each other (FIG. 32C). Reference), one inclined surface 301c seen in the circumferential direction (rotational direction) of the protruding end portion 301b and the other inclined surface 522d seen in the circumferential direction (rotational direction) of the projected end portion 522c are in contact with each other. Become. Here, the agitation drive coupling 301 is capable of rotating around the central axis Ca when the rotation is not driven as described above. For this reason, when the agitation drive coupling 301 and the connection portion 522a are further brought closer, the agitation drive coupling 301 approaches the connection portion 522a while rotating by the guiding action of the inclined surface 301c and the inclined surface 522d. (See arrow A10), it is possible to prevent the protruding end 301b of the agitation drive coupling 301 and the protruding end 522c of the connecting portion 522a from being abutted. As a result, the stirring drive coupling 301 and the connecting portion 522a are, as shown in FIG. 32 (d), seen in the circumferential direction (rotational direction) centered on the central axis Ca and a pair of hooking protrusions 301a. It can be set as the positional relationship which a pair of hooking protrusion part 522b exists alternately. In this state, when the agitation drive coupling 301 is rotationally driven by the container housing portion 220 (toner replenishing device 43), each of the hooking protrusions 301a pushes the corresponding hooking protrusion 522b in the rotation direction, thereby causing the toner cartridge 502 to rotate. The stirring member 52 is driven to rotate. For this reason, when the pair of hooking protrusions 301a and the pair of hooking protrusions 522b are in a positional relationship in which they alternately exist when viewed in the circumferential direction as described above, the stirring drive coupling 301 and the connecting portion 522a Are connected.

  On the upper surface (the surface on the Y axis direction positive side) of the toner cartridge 502, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 in addition to FIGS. . The filling portion 204 is configured by providing a cap 204 a at a filling port that passes through the upper wall portion that defines the upper surface of the toner cartridge 502 and communicates with the storage portion 51. In the filling unit 204, the developer G is filled (accommodated) into the accommodation unit 51 from the filling port. In the filling unit 204, the developer G is prevented from leaking by sealing the filling port with the cap 204a.

  The holding pieces 205 are provided in pairs on the upper surface of the toner cartridge 502 in the vicinity of the back surface (surface on the negative side in the Z-axis direction) and the outside in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). It has been. The holding pieces 205 are provided so as to protrude from the upper surface of the toner cartridge 502 toward the positive side in the Y-axis direction, and the amount of protrusion toward the positive side in the Y-axis direction gradually increases toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction. It is increasing.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, a grip portion 206 is provided on the back surface (surface on the negative side in the Z-axis direction) of the toner cartridge 502. The gripping portion 206 includes a gripping recess 206a formed by partially denting the center of the back wall defining the back surface (rear end portion) of the toner cartridge 502 toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction. A gripping wall portion 206b covering the upper portion of the portion 206a. The gripping wall portion 206b is provided with a lattice-like rib portion 206c to ensure rigidity. In the grip portion 206, the toner cartridge 502 can be easily held by gripping the grip wall portion 206b with a hand inserted into the grip recess 206a.

  In the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 502, as shown in FIG. 35, a mounting protrusion 61 is provided around the discharge port 55 and protrudes partially on the Y axis direction negative side to have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. As in the first embodiment, the mounting protrusion 61 is provided with a first shutter 622 and a second shutter 632 slidably movable in the Z-axis direction to form a shutter mechanism 602 (see FIG. 38 and the like). . In the mounting projection 61, a pair of guide grooves 64 are formed extending in the Z-axis direction while denting both end faces seen in the X-axis direction in the X-axis direction. For this reason, the mounting protrusion 61 is provided with a pair of guide grooves 64, thereby forming a pair of pieces 64 a that protrude relatively from the guide groove 64 in the X-axis direction. In other words, the pair of pieces 64 a define a pair of guide grooves 64 in the mounting protrusion 61.

  As in the first embodiment, a pair of fixed projections 65, a pair of support projections 66, and a pair of open projections 67 are provided on the lower wall portion 50b provided with the mounting projection 61. In addition, a contact plate-like portion 207 and an incompatible protrusion 208 are provided on the lower wall portion 50b (see FIG. 29 and the like). Both the fixing protrusions 65 have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and have a base end portion 65a and a pressed portion 65b, and a passage space 65c between the lower wall portion 50b and the pressed portion 65b. Is stipulated. Both support protrusions 66 have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and have a base end portion 66a and a flat plate portion 66b, and the end portions of the pair of base end portions 66a are inclined wall surfaces 66c. . The support protrusions 66 are each provided with a retaining protrusion 66d by partially projecting the end on the positive side in the Z-axis direction of the flat plate portion 66b toward the positive side in the Y-axis direction. Both open protrusions 67 have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and are provided at the end of the mounting protrusion 61 on the positive side in the Z-axis direction, and protrude toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction. The front end surface 67a on the positive direction side is a flat surface existing on the same XY plane. Both the open protrusions 67 are provided above the pair of guide grooves 64 (on the Y axis direction positive side) in the mounting protrusion 61.

  As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the contact plate-like portion 207 is formed to protrude from the lower wall portion 50b in a direction perpendicular to the curved surface defined by the lower wall portion 50b, and extends in the Z-axis direction. It has a long plate shape. The contact plate-like portion 207 can slide on an installation surface portion 224 (see FIG. 44) of the container housing portion 220 of the toner supply device 43 described later. Further, the contact plate-like portion 207 can prevent the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 502 from coming into contact with the installation surface portion 224 when in contact with the installation surface portion 224 (sliding state). It is a dimension (amount of protrusion) and a position.

  The incompatible protrusion 208 has a plate shape that protrudes downward (Y-axis direction negative side) from the lower wall portion 50b. The incompatible protrusion 208 is a container corresponding to a color different from the developer G (toner T) accommodated (filled) in the container accommodating portion 220 (see FIG. 44) of the toner replenishing device 43 described later. The toner cartridge 502 is prevented from being attached to the storage unit 220 (the toner container fixing unit 902). The incompatible protrusions 208 are different in position and number depending on the color of the developer G (toner T) accommodated (filled) in the toner cartridge 502 in which the incompatible protrusion 208 is provided. 29), a total of four are provided, two on each side. The position and number of the incompatible protrusions 208 are matched with the position and number of the incompatible grooves 225 (see FIG. 44) provided according to the corresponding color in each container accommodating portion 220 of the toner supply device 43 described later. ing. For this reason, in the toner cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK), the developer G (which is contained) is filled (filled) by the cooperation of the incompatible protrusion 208 and the incompatible groove 225 (see FIG. 44). The toner container 220 can be attached to the container accommodating portion 220 (toner container fixing portion 902) corresponding to the color corresponding to the toner T), and each container accommodating portion 220 (toner container fixing portion 902) corresponding to a different color is possible. ) (So-called erroneous mounting) is prevented.

  The incompatible protrusions 208 are provided at positions surrounded by a side wall 50c, a guide wall 50d, and a bottom wall 50f, which will be described later, on both sides of the mounting protrusion 61 when viewed in the left-right direction. In other words, when viewed in a direction along the XY plane, the incompatible protrusion 208 has a lower wall portion 50b above it, a side wall portion 50c outside in the left-right direction, and guided inward in the left-right direction. A wall 50d is present, and a bottom wall 50f is present below. In the toner cartridge 502, a rear wall portion that defines a rear surface (rear end portion) is provided on the rear end side (end portion side on the negative side in the Z-axis direction) of the lower wall portion 50b. For this reason, the non-compatible protrusion 208 is prevented from contacting from a direction other than the positive side in the Z-axis direction, and is more reliably protected. As a result, the toner cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK) can be prevented from being erroneously attached, and can be attached to the corresponding container accommodating portion 220 (toner container fixing portion 902). The effect of the incompatible protrusions 208 can be obtained more reliably.

  Further, in the toner cartridge 502, as shown in FIG. 26, FIG. 27, etc., a holding rail 209 is provided on a pair of side wall portions 50c having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment and provided with the fixing release piece 68. Yes. The restraining rail 209 is composed of a plate-like portion that protrudes outward from the side wall portion 50c corresponding to the restraining rail 209 when viewed in the left-right direction (X-axis direction), and includes a rail body portion 209a and a receiving inclined portion 209b. And have. The rail main body portion 209a extends along the Z-axis direction along the side wall portion 50c. The receiving inclined portion 209b is continuous with the end portion on the positive side in the Z-axis direction of the rail body portion 209a, and is inclined toward the negative side in the Y-axis direction as it goes toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction.

  Further, in the toner cartridge 502, a protruding rear wall portion 210 is provided at the rear end portions (end portions on the Z axis direction negative side) of the pair of side wall portions 50c. The protruding rear wall portion 210 includes a protruding rear wall 210a, a vertical rib portion 210b, and a plurality of horizontal rib portions 210c. The protruding rear wall 210a has a left and right direction (to the rear end portion of the toner cartridge 502 in a substantially square shape with respect to the housing portion 51 whose size is gradually reduced downward (inward to outward). It exhibits a plate shape protruding outward as viewed in the X-axis direction (see FIGS. 33 and 34, etc.). The projecting rear wall 210a cooperates with the rear end portion of the toner cartridge 502 so as to be inward without providing a substantial gap with respect to an opening 220a (see FIGS. 44 and 43) of the container housing portion 220 described later. It is set as the dimension which can be fitted (refer FIG.43 (b)). The vertical rib portion 210b is provided in parallel with the protruding rear wall 210a in front of the protruding rear wall 210a (on the positive side in the Z-axis direction). It presents a plate-like shape that protrudes toward the top. The plurality of horizontal rib portions 210c are provided by spanning the protruding rear wall 210a and the vertical rib portion 210b in the Z-axis direction. For this reason, in the protruding rear wall portion 210, the vertical rib portion 210b and the plurality of horizontal rib portions 210c ensure the rigidity of the protruding rear wall 210a, while enabling weight reduction and preventing an increase in material.

  Next, the toner cartridge 502 is provided with a pair of guide walls 50d having the same configuration as in the first embodiment. In both guide wall portions 50d, a shutter protection portion 50e is provided at the tip (end on the positive side in the Z-axis direction) of the right guide wall portion 50d as viewed in front in FIG. The shutter protection part 50e is formed such that the leading end of the guide wall part 50d partially protrudes toward the Z axis direction positive side. As will be described later, the shutter protector 50e is provided on the mounting protrusion 61 (the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 502) so that the first shutter 622 and the second shutter 632 (shutter mechanism 602) can slide in the Z-axis direction. In this state, the first shutter 622 and the second shutter 632 protrude beyond the positive side in the Z-axis direction (see FIG. 39). When the toner cartridge 502 is moved to the positive side in the Z-axis direction, the shutter protection unit 50e is more than the first shutter 622 and the second shutter 632 when an unintended object exists on the positive side in the Z-axis direction. The first shutter 622 and the second shutter 632 are prevented from being relatively pressed toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction by first contacting the object. Therefore, in the toner cartridge 502, the shutter protector 50e can prevent the first shutter 622 and the second shutter 632 from being pushed from the positive side to the negative side in the Z-axis direction by an unintended object or the like. The first shutter 622 and the second shutter 632 can be protected. The configuration and effects of the shutter protection unit 50e are the same as those of the guide wall 50d (toner cartridge 50) of the first embodiment, as is apparent from FIG.

  In the toner cartridge 502, as shown in FIGS. 28, 29, and 35, bottom wall portions 50f are provided at lower ends (ends on the negative side in the Y-axis direction) on both sides of the mounting protrusion 61 when viewed in the left-right direction. It has been. Each of the bottom wall portions 50f is provided on the negative side in the Z-axis direction of the side wall portion 50c and the guide wall portion 50d by spanning the side wall portion 50c and the guide wall portion 50d in the X-axis direction. Each bottom wall 50f is provided with a lower support piece 214. Each of the lower support pieces 214 forms a pair in the vicinity of the rear side (surface on the negative side in the Z-axis direction) side and the outer side viewed in the left-right direction (X-axis direction), and the corresponding bottom wall. It is provided in the part 50f. Both the lower support pieces 214 are provided so as to protrude from the bottom wall portion 50f to the Y axis direction negative side, and the amount of protrusion toward the Y axis direction negative side gradually increases toward the Z axis direction negative side. Has increased. The first shutter 622 is attached to the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 502 provided with these.

  As shown in FIG. 36, the first shutter 622 basically has the same configuration as that of the first shutter 62 of the first embodiment. The first shutter 622 has a flat plate shape as a whole, and includes a pair of side wall portions 71 and a fixed piece portion 72. It has a release protrusion 73, an installation portion 74, a pair of fixed wall portions 75, and a pair of guide wall portions 76. Both side wall portions 71 have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and are provided with a notch portion 71a. Both the notch portions 71a have a length dimension that opens the end on the positive side in the Z-axis direction of the side wall 71 and does not open the end on the negative side in the Z-axis direction. For this reason, in the both-side wall part 71, the securing protrusion 71b which protrudes to the Y-axis direction negative side with respect to the notch location 71a is provided in the edge part of the Z-axis direction negative side. As is apparent from FIG. 6 and the like, the structure of the both retaining protrusions 71b is the same as that of the first shutter 62 (both side wall portions 71) of the first embodiment.

  The fixed piece portion 72 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and includes a base end portion 72a and a main body portion 72b. The protruding end of the main body portion 72b is a pressing leg portion 72c. The main body 72b has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and is pressed to the positive side in the Y-axis direction to release the first shutter 622 that functions as a fixing release unit that releases the fixation at the sealing position. A protrusion 73 is provided.

  The installation part 74 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and is surrounded by the fixed piece part 72 (the base end part 72a) and the pair of side wall parts 71, and a shutter seal 772 as a seal member is installed. . Similarly to the shutter seal 77 of the first embodiment, the shutter seal 772 is provided and fixed to the installation portion 74 so as to be fitted into the installation portion 74, and the discharge port provided on the lower wall portion 50 b of the toner cartridge 502. By pressing against the mounting protrusion 61 around 55, the discharge port 55 is sealed (the discharge port 55 is sealed to prevent the developer G from entering and exiting) (see FIG. 39 and the like). In the shutter seal 772, the front end portion 772 a on the positive side in the Z-axis direction projects beyond the front end surface 74 a of the installation portion 74 toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction. In the second embodiment, the shutter seal 772 is formed of an elastic member such as a sponge. When the shutter seal 772 is pressed against the mounting protrusion 61 around the discharge port 55, the shutter seal 772 comes into close contact with the periphery of the discharge port 55 due to elastic deformation. The above-described sealing function is exhibited (see FIG. 39).

  The pair of fixed wall portions 75 have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and form a hooked surface 75a parallel to the XY plane on the Z axis direction negative side. Moreover, both the fixed wall parts 75 form the pressing surface 75b parallel to the XY plane on the Z axis direction positive side. As is apparent from FIG. 6 and the like, the structure of the pressing surface 75b is the same as that of the first shutter 62 (both side wall portions 71) of the first embodiment.

  The pair of guide walls 76 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and forms a guide surface 76a parallel to the YZ plane, and a guide projection 76b is provided on each guide surface 76a. The guide protrusion 76b can be movably fitted into a guide groove 64 (see FIG. 35, etc.) provided in the attachment protrusion 61 of the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 502. When the guide protrusion 76b is inserted into the guide groove 64 (see FIG. 35, etc.), the guide projection 76b is guided between the guide seal 76b and the shutter seal 772 (see FIG. 36, etc.) provided on the installation portion 74 when viewed in the Y-axis direction. A piece 64a (see FIG. 35) defining the groove 64 can be sandwiched.

  As shown in FIG. 37, the second shutter 632 provided so as to cover the first shutter 622 has basically the same configuration as the second shutter 63 of the first embodiment, and has a flat plate shape as a whole. It has a portion 782, a release operation projection 79, a pair of side wall portions 80, a pair of arm portions 812, and a pair of restricting portions 82. In addition, the second shutter 632 has an auxiliary protrusion 211. The flat plate portion 782 has a thin plate shape parallel to the XZ plane, and has a rectangular shape as a whole when viewed in the Y-axis direction (on the XZ plane). The flat plate portion 782 is a flat surface in which a front end surface 782a on the positive side in the Z-axis direction is parallel to the XY plane and extends in the X-axis direction.

  A release operation projection 79 is provided on the flat plate portion 782. The release operation projection 79 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the end on the negative side in the Z-axis direction is an inclined surface 79a. The flat plate portion 782 is provided with a pair of side wall portions 80. Both side wall portions 80 have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and are provided with a receiving recess 80a and an inclined surface 80b.

  The pair of arm portions 812 is basically the same configuration as the arm portion 81 of the first embodiment, and protrudes from the end on the Z-axis direction positive side of the paired side wall portions 80 to the Z-axis direction positive side. Has been provided. Both arms 812 have a rod shape that extends toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction while being spaced apart from the flat plate part 782, and are curved so as to narrow each other toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction. Both arm portions 812 are capable of movably receiving a flat plate portion 66b (see FIG. 35, etc.) of the support protrusion 66 provided on the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 502 between the flat plate portion 782. . Therefore, by receiving the flat plate portion 66b of the pair of support protrusions 66 between the both arm portions 812 and the flat plate portion 782, and the pair of receiving recesses 80a adjacent thereto in the Z-axis direction, The two shutters 632 can be attached to the toner cartridge 502 (the lower wall portion 50b) so as to be movable in the Z-axis direction. Both arm portions 812 can have the first shutter 622 between them, and the first shutter 622 and the second shutter 632 are appropriately attached to the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 502 as will be described later. When the first shutter 622 moves to the Z axis direction positive side with respect to the second shutter 632 (see FIG. 38 and the like), it hits (interferes with) each side wall 71 of the first shutter 622 (FIG. 47). Etc.).

  The two arm portions 812 have a protruding end 812a on the positive side in the Z-axis direction that is pointed when viewed in the Y-axis direction and is opposed in the X-axis direction. It is set to be smaller than the distance between both side surfaces of both side walls 71 as viewed in the axial direction. In both arm portions 812, a hooking piece portion 812b is provided in the vicinity of the protruding end 812a. Both hooking piece portions 812b protrude outward from the arm portion 812 (in the vicinity of the protruding end 812a) in the X-axis direction, and the protruding end (external end portion in the X-axis direction) is the side wall portion 80 (that portion). It is supposed to be on a surface equal to the outer wall surface in the X-axis direction (both arm portions 812 whose positions viewed in the X-axis direction are the same). This state is defined as an initial curved state of both arms 812. Similar to the arm portion 81 of the first embodiment, both the arm portions 812 bend and deform in the direction of the force when a force in the X-axis direction is applied, and when the force is released, the original position (initial curve) It is possible to exert an elastic force that returns to the state.

  In both the arm portions 812, in the initial curved state, the surface on the negative side in the Z-axis direction in the vicinity of the protruding end 812a is a flat surface 812c parallel to the XY plane. For this reason, when the first shutter 622 tries to move to the Z axis direction positive side with respect to the second shutter 632 in the above-described attachment state (see FIG. 38 and the like), the both arms 812 A flat surface 812c parallel to the nearby XY plane hits the front end of each side wall 71 of the first shutter 622, that is, the pressing surface 75b parallel to the XY plane of each fixed wall 75 in the Z-axis direction. It will be.

  In both arms 812 of the second shutter 632, an open protrusion 812d is provided on the positive side in the Z-axis direction of the hook piece 812b. Both open protrusions 812d protrude from the vicinity of the protruding ends 812a of both arms 812 toward the outside in the X-axis direction and toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction, and are open inclined surfaces 812e on the positive side in the Z-axis direction. Is forming. Both open inclined surfaces 812e are inclined surfaces that are displaced to the positive side in the Z-axis direction toward the outside in the X-axis direction. A pair of restricting portions 82 having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is provided on the flat plate portion 782 provided with the both arm portions 812.

  The auxiliary projection 211 is formed to protrude from the flat plate portion 782 toward the positive side in the Y-axis direction at a position near the center of the flat plate portion 782 and on the negative side in the Z-axis direction relative to the release operation projection 79. In the auxiliary protrusion 211, the surface on the positive side in the Z-axis direction is a flat surface 211a parallel to the XY plane. Further, the auxiliary protrusion 211 is a fixed piece portion of the first shutter 622 when the second shutter 632 is provided on the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 502 together with the first shutter 622 (see FIG. 38 and the like) as will be described later. The size is such that the flat surface 211a can be brought into contact in the Z-axis direction with a portion (see reference numeral 72d in FIG. 36) spanning in the X-axis direction in the main body 72b having 72 H shape.

  In the shutter mechanism 602, as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, the first shutter 622 and the second shutter 632 can be attached to the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 502, similarly to the shutter mechanism 60 of the first embodiment. . That is, in the first shutter 622, the guide protrusions 76 b of the pair of guide wall portions 76 are inserted into the pair of guide grooves 64 provided in the attachment protrusions 61 of the lower wall portion 50 b of the toner cartridge 502, and the attachment protrusions 61. Attached to. Then, like the first shutter 62 of the first embodiment, the first shutter 622 is guided to the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 502 by the guide of the pair of guide grooves 64 and the guide protrusions 76b inserted therein. Thus, the sliding movement in the Z-axis direction is possible between the sealing position and the open position. In this state, at the cutout portions 71a of the side wall portions 71 of the first shutter 622, the flat plate portions 66b of the pair of support protrusions 66 of the lower wall portion 50b (inner portions 66e viewed in the X-axis direction (see FIG. 35)). Accept. For this reason, the first shutter 622 has a retaining protrusion 71b (see FIG. 36) provided at the end on the negative side in the Z-axis direction of the cutout portion 71a provided at the end on the positive side in the Z-axis direction of the flat plate portion 66b. Interference in the Z-axis direction with the extracted retaining protrusion 66d (see FIG. 35) prevents the lower wall portion 50b from falling off the lower wall portion 50b (mounting protrusion 61) due to movement toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction. Has been. The configuration of the retaining protrusion 71b and the retaining protrusion 66d can be applied to the both side wall portions 71 and the both supporting protrusions 66 of the first embodiment.

  Similarly to the second shutter 63 of the first embodiment, the second shutter 632 is a receiving recess 80a in the side wall portions 80 and the flat plate portions 66b of the pair of support protrusions 66 in the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50. Installed by accepting. The second shutter 632 is guided between the receiving recesses 80a and the flat plate portions 66b of the pair of support protrusions 66 received there between the covering position and the opening position through the release operation position with respect to the first shutter 622. It is possible to slide in the direction. Since the second shutter 632 is provided with the auxiliary projection 211 as described above, when the second shutter 632 is moved to the positive side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the first shutter 622, the auxiliary projection 211 (its flat surface) The surface 211a) can be applied to the main body 72b of the fixed piece 72 (the portion 72d extending in the X-axis direction). Therefore, the second shutter 632 is further moved from the state to the positive side in the Z-axis direction, so that the first shutter 622 in the open position is moved to the positive side in the Z-axis direction to be a sealing position. it can. Therefore, in the toner cartridge 502, the second shutter 632 is moved to the positive side in the Z-axis direction, so that the first shutter 622 is set as the sealing position and the discharge port 55 is sealed by the shutter seal 772 provided there. Can be stopped.

  The toner replenishing device 43 to which the toner cartridge 502 provided with the shutter mechanism 602 is mounted is provided with a toner container fixing portion (container fixing portion) 902 that matches the configuration of the shutter mechanism 602. As shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, the toner container fixing portion 902 has basically the same configuration as the toner container fixing portion 90 of the first embodiment, and includes a guide groove portion 91, a second receiving recess portion 92, and a fixing groove portion 93. And a first receiving recess 94, a fixing claw portion 95, a supply port portion (powder supply port portion) 96, and a fixing release claw portion 97. In addition, the toner container fixing portion 902 includes an open protrusion pressing portion 212 and a guide auxiliary portion 213.

  The guide groove portions 91 have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and are provided in pairs in the X-axis direction so that the pair of guide wall portions 50d to which the toner cartridge 502 is mounted can be received. (See FIG. 46 etc.). The second receiving recess 92 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and can receive the second shutter 632 of the shutter mechanism 602 of the toner cartridge 502 while being fitted in the Z-axis direction. (See FIG. 46 and the like). The fixed groove portion 93 basically has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, defines a fixed wall surface 93 a parallel to the XY plane on the Z axis direction negative side, and hooks the pair of arm portions 812 of the second shutter 632. The size is such that the one portion 812b (see FIG. 37, etc.) can be received. The first receiving recess 94 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and is adjacent to the second receiving recess 92 in the Z-axis direction to move the first shutter 622 of the shutter mechanism 602 of the toner cartridge 502 in the Z-axis direction. It is possible to be fitted and received (see FIG. 48, etc.). As in the first embodiment, the first receiving recess 94 is formed with a second step 98 between the second receiving recess 92.

  The fixing claw portion 95 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and has one end projection 95a and the other end projection 95b. The one end projection 95a is directed to both side surfaces of the mounting projection 61 of the toner cartridge 502 on the surface. At the same time, the other end protrusion 95b enters (exists) the back side of the fixed wall 75 (the negative side in the Z-axis direction of the hooked surface 75a) at the side walls 71 of the first shutter 622 provided in the toner cartridge 502. (See FIG. 48 and the like). As in the first embodiment, the fixed claw portion 95 is rotatable about the rotation shaft portion 95c, and rotates toward the initial rotation posture shown in FIGS. 40 and 41 (see arrow A2 in FIG. 41). Is granted. Further, when each of the fixed claw portions 95 is in the initial rotation posture, when the toner cartridge 502 is properly mounted, each end projection 95 a is a leading end surface 67 a of the both open projections 67 of the mounting projection 61 of the toner cartridge 502. Can be hit in the Z-axis direction.

  The replenishing port portion 96 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and is adjacent to the first receiving recess 94 in the Z-axis direction. The toner replenishment portion is opened at the center and leads to the toner temporary storage portion 44 (see FIG. 3). A mouth (powder replenishing port) 96a is provided. As in the first embodiment, the replenishing port portion 96 forms a first step portion 99 with the first receiving recess 94. The upper end surface of the replenishing port portion 96 (the surface on the positive side in the Y-axis direction and opened by the toner replenishing port 96a) is the same as in the first embodiment when the toner cartridge 502 is properly mounted. The mounting protrusion 61 has a lower end surface (a surface on the negative side in the Y-axis direction and a surface opened by the discharge port 55) and a positional relationship that hits the surface. In this state, the discharge port 55 and the toner supply port 96a are connected to face each other in the Y-axis direction, as in the first embodiment.

  The fixing release claw portion 97 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the pressing elastic member 97b is shown in FIGS. 40 and 41 in the fixing release claw 97a forming the front inclined side portion 97c and the rear inclined side portion 97d. A force is applied to the initial jump position. When the fixing release claw 97 is not applied with any force, the fixing release claw 97a is set to the initial projecting position, and the tip of the release claw 97a is opposed to the pressing elastic member 97b. It can be pushed into 902.

  The opening protrusion pressing portion 212 is provided to displace both arms 812 of the second shutter 632 outward in the X-axis direction as the second shutter 632 enters the second receiving recess 92. Yes. The opening protrusion pressing portions 212 are provided as a pair in the X-axis direction so as to individually correspond to the both arm portions 812. Each open protrusion pressing portion 212 includes a base portion 212a that protrudes inward in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) from the Z-axis direction positive end of each fixed groove portion 93, and a protruding end of the base portion 212a. And a pressing body 212b protruding to the negative side in the Z-axis direction. As will be described later, the base portion 212a has a size and a position that do not hinder the hooking piece portion 812b of the arm portion 812 from entering each fixing groove portion 93 (see FIGS. 46 to 48, etc.). . The pushing body 212b has a Z-axis direction negative end (hereinafter referred to as a projecting end 212c) that protrudes to the second receiving recess 92, and is continuously depressed to the projecting end 212c. A surface 212d is provided. The pressing inclined surface 212d is an inclined surface that is displaced to the positive side in the Z-axis direction as it goes outward in the X-axis direction.

  In the two open protrusion pressing portions 212, the pressing main body portion 212b (the protruding end 212c and the pressing inclined surface 212d) has a corresponding arm portion 812 of the second shutter 632 that has entered the second receiving recess 92 (there The opening protrusion 812d and the opening inclined surface 812e) and the height position (position seen in the Y-axis direction) are the same. Further, in the both opening protrusion pressing portions 212, the protruding end 212 c and the pressing inclined surface 212 d of the pressing main body portion 212 b are opened in the initial curved state by the second shutter 632, and the opening protrusion portions 812 d of both arms 812 are opened. The positional relationship faces the inclined surface 812e in the Z-axis direction (see FIG. 46 and the like). In the both open protrusion pressing portions 212, the protruding end 212c and the pressing inclined surface 212d of the pressing main body portion 212b are arranged so that the both arm portions thereof are positioned before the second shutter 632 reaches the restriction position by the second step portion 98. The positional relationship is in contact with the open inclined surface 812e (open protrusion portion 812d) of 812 in the Z-axis direction (see FIG. 46 and the like).

  For this reason, when the second shutter 632 enters the second receiving recess 92 in the both opening protrusion pressing portions 212, the pressing main body portion 212b is moved to the opening protrusion portions 812d of the both arm portions 812 in the initial curved state. Contact (see FIG. 46, etc.). When the second shutter 632 is further moved to the positive side in the Z-axis direction, due to the guiding action of the protruding end 212c and the pressing inclined surface 212d of the pressing body 212b and the opening inclined surface 812e of the opening protrusion 812d, The hook piece 812b of each arm 812 (its protruding end (end on the outer side in the X-axis direction)) is viewed in the X-axis direction, and the side wall 80 (outer wall surface in the X-axis direction (viewed in the X-axis direction) is seen. The arm portions 812)) having the same position are displaced (projected) to the outside, and the hooking piece portion 812b enters the corresponding fixing groove portion 93 (see FIG. 47 and the like).

  The auxiliary guide portion 213 is provided at the end on the negative side in the Z-axis direction of the wall portion between the guide groove portion 91 and the second receiving recess 92. The auxiliary guide portion 213 forms an outer inclined surface 213a on the outer side when viewed in the left-right direction (X-axis direction), and also forms an inner inclined surface 213b on the inner side when viewed in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). The outer inclined surface 213a guides the pair of guide wall portions 50d of the toner cartridge 502 to the guide groove portion 91, and facilitates insertion of each guide wall portion 50d into the guide groove portion 91. The inner inclined surface 213b guides the second shutter 632 of the toner cartridge 502 to the second receiving recess 92, and makes it easy for each guide wall 50d to enter the second receiving recess 92.

  The toner container fixing portion 902 is provided inside a container accommodating portion 220 provided in the image forming apparatus 102 (see FIG. 42 and the like) (see FIG. 44). The image forming apparatus 102 is basically configured similarly to the image forming apparatus 10 (see FIG. 1) of the first embodiment. In the image forming apparatus 102, as shown in FIG. 42, the developing device 23 is provided in parallel in the horizontal direction (the direction along the XZ plane), and in accordance therewith, the photosensitive drum 21, the transfer belt 30, and the toner. A replenishing device 43 and the like (only the toner replenishing device 43 is shown in FIG. 42) are provided in parallel in the horizontal direction. In this image forming apparatus 102, four container storage portions 220 corresponding to yellow, cyan, magenta, and black are provided to store the toner cartridge 502, each corresponding to any one color. Yes. The container accommodating portions 220 are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction corresponding to the developing devices 23 (toner replenishing device 43) arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. , 502C, 502BK). Each container accommodating portion 220 has substantially the same structure as the toner cartridge 502, the toner container fixing portion 902, and the like except that the setting of an incompatible groove 225 described later is different. 44, only the configuration of one container housing portion 220 will be described, and the description of the other container housing portion 220 will be omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 43 and 44, the container accommodating portion 220 is provided by opening the outer wall surface of the image forming apparatus 102 with an opening 220 a, and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape capable of receiving the toner container fixing portion 902. It is considered as a space. The opening 220a is substantially square, and is sized so that the rear end of the toner cartridge 502, which is also substantially square, can be received without a substantial gap (FIG. 43B). )reference).

  In the container housing portion 220, a holding rail 221 is provided. The restraining rail 221 is provided on each of the inner side surfaces 220b existing in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) in the container housing portion 220. Both restraining rails 221 are configured by plate-like portions that protrude inward in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) from the corresponding inner side surface 220b. The both holding rails 221 are provided on the side wall portion 50c of the toner cartridge 502 as shown in FIG. 45B when the toner cartridge 502 is inserted into the container housing portion 220 as will be described later. It contacts the upper surface (the surface on the Y axis direction positive side) of the receiving inclined portion 209b of the holding rail 209. Then, when the toner cartridge 502 is further moved to the positive side in the Z-axis direction, the both holding rails 221 are held down by the guide action of the receiving inclined portion 209b as shown in FIGS. 45 (b) to 45 (c). The rail 209 moves relative to the upper side of the rail body 209a (Y axis direction positive side) and comes into contact with the rail body 209a from above. For this reason, the two holding rails 221 define the attitude of the toner cartridge 502 while preventing the toner cartridge 502 from moving upward (Y-axis direction positive side) in the container housing portion 220.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 43 and FIG. 44, a holding piece 222 is provided on both inner side surfaces 220 b of the container housing portion 220 above the holding rail 221 (on the Y axis direction positive side). These holding pieces 222 are provided so as to protrude inward in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) from the corresponding inner side surface 220b, and the amount of protrusion in the left-right direction increases toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction. Increasing gradually. The holding pieces 222 are sized so that the toner cartridge 502 (both side surfaces thereof) can be sandwiched in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) at least at the position where the protruding amount is maximized.

  As shown in FIG. 44, the container storage unit 220 is provided with a pair of storage bases 223 so as to cover both sides of the toner container fixing unit 902 in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). In order to prevent the upper surface (the surface on the positive side in the Y-axis direction) from interfering with the insertion of the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 502 (see FIG. 28, etc.) An installation surface portion 224 that is curved along the prescribed curved surface is formed. Both the installation surface portions 224 are contact plate-like portions 207 provided on the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 502 when the toner cartridge 502 is moved in the Z-axis direction with respect to the container housing portion 220 (see FIG. 28 and the like). ) Can be slid in contact. Further, when the contact plate-like portion 207 is brought into contact with each other, both the installation surface portions 224 may come into contact with the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 502 because the contact plate-like portion 207 is set as described above. It is prevented. The configurations of the both installation surface portions 224 and the contact plate portion 207 can be applied to the toner cartridge 50 and the toner container fixing portion 90 (toner replenishing device 43) of the first embodiment.

  The accommodation base 223 is provided with an incompatible groove 225 and a receiving groove 226. The incompatible groove 225 is filled with a developer G (toner T) having a color different from the color (yellow, cyan, magenta, black) corresponding to the container housing portion 220 (toner container fixing portion 902) provided with the incompatible groove 225. This prevents the contained (filled) toner container fixing portion 902 from being attached. The incompatible groove 225 is formed to extend in the Z-axis direction while the both installation surface portions 224 are recessed toward the Y-axis direction negative side, and the incompatible protrusion 208 (see FIG. 28 and the like) provided in the toner container fixing portion 902. ) Is a size that can be received. The position and the number of the incompatible grooves 225 are different depending on the color of the developer G (toner T) to which the incompatible groove 225 corresponds. In the illustrated example, a total of four incompatible grooves 225 are provided. It has been. For this reason, the incompatible groove 225 accommodates (fills) a developer G (toner T) of a color that matches the color corresponding to the container accommodating portion 220 (toner container fixing portion 902) provided therein. Only 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK) can be mounted.

  The receiving groove 226 is formed in such a manner that the outer side in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) and the lower part (the portion on the negative side in the Y-axis direction) of the receiving base 223 are recessed inward in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). It is formed extending in the axial direction. The receiving groove 226 can receive a fixing release piece 68 (see FIG. 38 and the like) provided in the toner cartridge 502, and the fixing release piece 68 can be used for both fixing release claw portions 97 of the toner container fixing portion 902. It is possible to move in the Z-axis direction as far as possible (fixing claw 97a (see FIG. 40, etc.)).

  Next, the operation of the shutter mechanism 602 and the toner container fixing unit 902 when the toner cartridge 502 is attached to the toner container fixing unit 902 (container housing unit 220 (toner supply device 43)) will be described with reference to FIGS. It explains using. Since the operations of the shutter mechanism 602 and the toner container fixing unit 902 are basically the same as the operations of the shutter mechanism 60 and the toner container fixing unit 90 of the first embodiment, description of the same operations is omitted. 46 is a front view similar to FIG. 41 and illustrates the toner cartridge 502 in a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 38 and illustrates the toner cartridge 502 mounted in the toner container fixing portion 902. FIG. The pressing main body portion 212b (the protruding end 212c (the pressing inclined surface 212d)) of the both opening protrusion pressing portions 212 is in an initial curved state of the second shutter 632 of the toner cartridge 502. A state in which the arm 812 is in contact with the open protrusion 812d (the open inclined surface 812e) of both arms 812 is shown. FIG. 47 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 46 and shows a state in which the second shutter 632 of the toner cartridge 502 hits the second step portion 98 of the toner container fixing portion 902. FIG. 48 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 46 and shows a state where the discharge port 55 of the toner cartridge 502 and the toner supply port 96a of the toner container fixing portion 902 (toner supply device 43) are connected.

  First, the gripper 206 (see FIG. 43 and the like) is used to hold the toner cartridge 502 and, as indicated by an arrow A11 in FIG. 43A, toward the container housing portion 220 (its toner container fixing portion 902), The toner cartridge 502 is moved in the mounting direction (Z-axis direction positive side). At this time, the pair of guide wall portions 50d (see FIG. 38, etc.) of the toner cartridge 502 is inserted into the pair of guide groove portions 91 (see FIGS. 41, 40, etc.) of the toner container fixing portion 902, while The contact plate-like portion 207 (see FIG. 28 and the like) provided on the lower wall portion 50b is placed on both installation surface portions 224 (see FIG. 44) provided on the container housing portion 220. Then, the restraining rails 209 provided on the pair of side wall portions 50c of the toner cartridge 502 are brought into contact with the restraining rails 221 corresponding to the container housing portions 220 from below (see FIGS. 45A to 45C). . In addition, the toner cartridge 502 (both side surfaces thereof) is sandwiched by both holding pieces 222 in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). As a result, the moving direction of the toner cartridge 502 relative to the toner container fixing portion 902 is defined as the mounting direction (the Z axis direction positive side) (see FIG. 46).

  In this state, as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, in the shutter mechanism 602, since the first shutter 622 is at the sealing position, the shutter seal 772 is pressed against the mounting protrusion 61 around the discharge port 55. The discharge port 55 is sealed. In the shutter mechanism 602, since the second shutter 632 is in the covering position, the first shutter 622 including the release protrusion 73 is covered by the second shutter 632. Further, in the first shutter 622, both pressing leg portions 72c of the main body portion 72b of the fixed piece portion 72 are in contact with both pressed portions 65b of the fixing protrusions 65 provided on the lower wall portion 50b in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the movement to the negative side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the attachment protrusion 61 (toner cartridge 502) from the hit position is prevented. Next, in the second shutter 632, a flat surface 812 c parallel to the XY plane in the vicinity of the projecting ends 812 a of the both arm portions 812 has a front end portion of each side wall portion 71 of the first shutter 622, ie, each fixed wall portion 75. By making contact with the pressing surface 75b parallel to the XY plane in the Z-axis direction, movement to the negative side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the mounting protrusion 61 (toner cartridge 502) is suppressed (see FIG. 38).

  Thereafter, when the toner cartridge 502 is moved to the positive side in the Z-axis direction, the second shutter 632 of the shutter mechanism 602 enters the second receiving recess 92 of the toner container fixing portion 902 and eventually the initial curve of the second shutter 632 is reached. The open protrusion portions 812d (the open inclined surfaces 812e) of the both arm portions 812 in the state are the pressing main body portions 212b (the protruding ends 212c (the pressing inclinations) of the both open protrusion pressing portions 212 of the toner container fixing portion 902. Surface 212d)) (see FIG. 46). Further, when the toner cartridge 502 is further moved to the positive side in the Z-axis direction, the guide action of the protruding end 212c and the pressing inclined surface 212d of the pressing main body portion 212b and the opening inclined surface 812e of the opening protruding portion 812d causes The arm portion 812 is displaced (projected) outward when viewed in the X-axis direction, and each hook piece portion 812b (its projecting end (outer end portion in the X-axis direction)) is displaced outward when viewed in the X-axis direction ( Each hooking piece portion 812b is inserted into a pair of fixed groove portions 93 communicating with the second receiving recess 92 (see FIG. 47 and the like). When the hook piece 812b enters the fixing groove 93, the second shutter 632 (the tip surface 782a of the flat plate portion 782) hits the second step 98 of the toner container fixing portion 902 (see FIG. 47). For this reason, the second shutter 632 is restricted from moving toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 902.

  Since each operation following the movement of the toner cartridge 502 to the positive side in the Z-axis direction is the same as that of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted. Then, due to the movement of the toner cartridge 502 to the positive side in the Z-axis direction, as shown in FIG. 48, the lower end surface (the Y-axis direction negative side surface) of the mounting protrusion 61 and the upper end surface (Y-axis) of the replenishing port portion 96. The discharge port 55 of the mounting projection 61 is connected to the toner supply port 96a of the supply port 96 so as to face each other in the Y-axis direction. In a state where the discharge port 55 and the toner supply port 96a are connected, both side walls of the first shutter 622 in which the other end projections 95b of the fixing claw portions 95 are opened at the restriction position by the first step portion 99. The portion 71 is inserted into the back side of the fixed wall portion 75 (the negative side in the Z-axis direction of the hooked surface 75a). Further, the first shutter 622 is set as a restriction position by the first step portion 99 where the tip end surface 74a of the installation portion 74 (the tip end portion 772a of the shutter seal 772) hits the first step portion 99.

  At this time, in the first shutter 622 of the second embodiment, the distal end portion 772a of the shutter seal 772 protrudes to the Z axis direction positive side from the distal end surface 74a of the installation portion 74 (see FIG. 36 and the like). The protruding portion of the shutter seal 772 including the tip 772a is compressed between the first step 99. Therefore, in a state where the discharge port 55 and the toner replenishing port 96a are connected, the first step portion 99, that is, the space between the replenishing port portion 96 and the first shutter 622 is blocked by the compressed portion of the shutter seal 772. Can do. In addition, in a state where the discharge port 55 and the toner supply port 96a are connected, the hooking piece portions 812b of the both arm portions 812 of the second shutter 632 opened at the restriction position by the second step portion 98 are Each fixed groove 93 is entered. At this time, in the both arm portions 812 of the second shutter 632, the respective open protrusion portions 812d abut against the pressing main body portions 212b of the respective open protrusion pressing portions 212, or the respective protruding ends 812a are the respective side walls of the first shutter 622. By hitting the portion 71, each protruding end 812 a is deformed so as to extend along the Z-axis direction while being displaced outward in the X-axis direction. Further, the fixing release piece 68 of each side wall portion 50c of the toner cartridge 502 has the rear side inclined side portion 68b opposed to the front side inclined side portion 97c of the fixing release claw 97a of each fixing release claw portion 97 in the Z-axis direction. The toner cartridge 502 is releasably fixed to the toner container fixing portion 902.

  When the discharge port 55 and the toner replenishment port 96a are connected, the first reference determination protrusion provided in the container housing portion 220 is fitted into the first reference hole 201 (see FIG. 26 and the like) In addition, the second reference determination protrusion provided on the container housing portion 220 is inserted into the second reference hole 202 (see FIG. 26 and the like), so that the toner cartridge 502 is in a predetermined posture with respect to the container housing portion 220. . At this time, the positioning protrusion provided in the container housing portion 220 is inserted into the positioning hole 572b (see FIG. 26 and the like) of the electronic substrate 572, and the electronic substrate 572 is set to an appropriate position.

  Further, when the toner cartridge 502 is moved to the positive side in the Z-axis direction so that the discharge port 55 and the toner replenishing port 96a are connected, a holding piece 205 (see FIG. 26) provided on the upper surface of the toner cartridge 502. And the like) are in contact with the upper wall portion 220c (see FIG. 44) of the container housing portion 220, so that the rear end side of the toner cartridge 502 is prevented from moving upward (FIG. 43B). reference). In addition, when the toner cartridge 502 is moved to the positive side in the Z-axis direction so that the discharge port 55 and the toner replenishment port 96a are connected, the lower support piece provided on each bottom wall portion 50f of the toner cartridge 502 When the portion 214 (see FIG. 28 and the like) is in contact with the lower wall portion 220d (see FIG. 44) of the container housing portion 220, the rear end side of the toner cartridge 502 is prevented from moving downward. When the discharge port 55 and the toner supply port 96a are connected, the opening 220a of the container housing portion 220 is closed by the rear end portion of the toner cartridge 502, as shown in FIG. It will be in a peeled state. Then, the agitation drive coupling 301 provided in the container storage unit 220 is connected to the connection location 522a of the agitation member 52 (see FIG. 32 (d)) and the transport drive coupling provided in the container storage unit 220. Are connected to a connecting portion 562a (see FIG. 26, etc.) of the conveying screw 56.

  As a result, the toner cartridge 502 is appropriately attached to the toner container fixing portion 902, and the attaching operation of the toner cartridge 502 to the container accommodating portion 220 is completed. As described above, when the toner cartridge 502 is properly mounted, in the toner replenishing device 43 (container housing unit 220), the stirring member 52 is appropriately rotated by the rotation driving of the stirring driving coupling 301 and the transport driving coupling is rotated. When the conveying screw 56 is appropriately rotated by the rotational drive, the developer G discharged to the outside from the discharge port 55 of the toner cartridge 502 is inward (toner temporary storage) from the toner supply port 96a of the toner container fixing portion 902. Part 44) (see FIG. 3). As a result, the developer G discharged from the toner cartridge 502 is supplied into the developing device 23 (see FIG. 3).

  Next, FIGS. 49 and 50 show the operation of the shutter mechanism 602 and the toner container fixing unit 902 when the toner cartridge 502 is taken out from the toner container fixing unit 902 (container housing unit 220 (toner replenishing device 43)). It explains using. Since the operations of the shutter mechanism 602 and the toner container fixing unit 902 are basically the same as the operations of the shutter mechanism 60 and the toner container fixing unit 90 of the first embodiment, description of the same operations is omitted. FIG. 49 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 46 for explaining a state in which the toner cartridge 502 is taken out from the toner container fixing portion 902, and the toner cartridge 502 moves toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 902. A state is shown in which the toner cartridge 502 is released from being fixed by the both fixing release claw portions 97 after being started to move. FIG. 50 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 46, in which the toner cartridge 502 is moved to the negative side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 902, and a second portion is formed by each hooking piece portion 812 b and each fixing groove portion 93. A state in which the shutter 632 is released is shown.

  In the toner container fixing portion 902, in order to take out the toner cartridge 502, the toner cartridge 502 is moved to the side opposite to the mounting direction, that is, the Z-axis direction negative side, and the Z-axis direction negative side is the take-out direction. First, the toner cartridge 502 is held using the grip portion 206 (see FIG. 43B, etc.), and the toner cartridge 502 is removed from the container housing portion 220, that is, the toner container fixing portion 902, in the removal direction (Z-axis direction negative side). Move. Then, the fixing state by the fixing release pieces 68 and the fixing release claws 97 of the side wall portions 50c of the toner cartridge 502 is released (see FIG. 49). FIG. 49 shows a state in which both the fixing release claw portions 97 (fixing release claw 97a) of the toner container fixing portion 90 have started to be pushed into the toner container fixing portion 90 toward the release. Then, the attachment protrusion 61 of the toner cartridge 502 moves to the negative side in the Z-axis direction, and the state where the discharge port 55 faces the toner supply port 96a of the toner container fixing portion 902 in the Y-axis direction is released. At this time, in the shutter mechanism 602, the other end projections 95 b of the respective fixing claws 95 of the toner container fixing portion 902 are placed on the back side of the fixed wall portion 75 in the side wall portions 71 of the first shutter 622 (Z of the hooked surface 75 a). Since the other end projection 95b contacts the hooked surface 75a of the fixed wall 75 in the Z-axis direction, the first shutter 622 is in the Z-axis with respect to the toner container fixing portion 902. Movement to the negative direction is restricted. Further, in the shutter mechanism 602, the protruding ends 812 a of the both arm portions 812 of the second shutter 632 come into contact with the side wall portions 71 of the first shutter 622, so that the hooking piece portions 812 b are fixed to the toner container fixing portions 902. Since it has entered the groove portion 93, each hook piece 812b hits (interferes with) the fixed wall surface 93a of each fixed groove portion 93 in the Z-axis direction, so that the second shutter 632 against the toner container fixing portion 902. Is restricted from moving to the negative side in the Z-axis direction. At this time, the second shutter 632 is slightly moved to the Z axis direction negative side from the limit position by the second step portion 98, but the release operation position is maintained. In the second shutter 632, the arms 812 in which the hooking piece portions 812b have entered the fixing groove portions 93 due to slight movement from the limit position by the second step portion 98 to the negative side in the Z-axis are in an initial curved state. In the case of returning to the upper side, the opening protrusion portion 812d (the opening inclined surface 812e) is pressed against the pressing main body portion 212b (the protruding end 212c (the pressing inclined surface) of the both opening protrusion pressing portions 212 of the toner container fixing portion 902. 212d)) is prevented (see FIG. 50, etc.). Therefore, in the toner cartridge 502, the first shutter 622 and the second shutter 632 are prevented from moving to the negative side in the Z-axis direction together with the mounting protrusion 61 (toner cartridge 502). That is, in the toner cartridge 502, the first shutter 622 and the second shutter 632 move to the positive side in the Z-axis direction while maintaining the release operation position.

  Since each operation following the movement of the toner cartridge 502 to the positive side in the Z-axis direction is the same as that in the first embodiment, only a brief description will be given. When the toner cartridge 502 is moved in the removal direction (Z-axis direction negative side), the position where the first shutter 622 seals the discharge port 55 with the shutter seal 772 (see FIG. 39 and the like), that is, the first shutter 622. The first shutter 622 is fixed to the limit position by the first step portion 99 by the two fixing claws 95 until the sealing position in the toner cartridge 502 is reached. Thereafter, the toner cartridge 502 is moved in the removal direction (Z-axis direction negative side), and the shutter seal 772 of the first shutter 622 is pressed around the discharge port 55 of the mounting protrusion 61 of the toner cartridge 502. In this state, the first shutter 622 is set to the sealing position, and the discharge port 55 is sealed by the shutter seal 772. Then, in the shutter mechanism 602, both open protrusions 67 (the front end surface 67 a) of the mounting protrusion 61 of the toner cartridge 502 are on the negative side in the Z-axis direction from the one end protrusion 95 a of each fixing claw 95 of the toner container fixing part 902. As a result, the attachment protrusion 61 (both open protrusions 67) pushes the one end protrusion 95a toward the Z axis direction positive side is released. As a result, both the fixed claw portions 95 rotate around the rotation shaft portion 95 c to be in an initial rotation posture, and the other end projections 95 b of the respective fixed claw portions 95 of the toner container fixing portion 902 are formed on both side wall portions of the first shutter 622. 71, the state of entering the back side of the fixed wall portion 75 (the Z-axis direction negative side of the hooked surface 75a) is released, and the first shutter 622 moves to the Z-axis direction negative side with respect to the toner container fixing portion 902. It becomes possible to do. For this reason, when the toner cartridge 502 is moved to the negative side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 902, the first shutter 622 is surely set to the sealing position, and the mounting protrusion is provided by the shutter seal 772. The 61 outlet 55 is securely sealed.

  Thereafter, when the toner cartridge 502 is further moved in the removal direction (Z-axis direction negative side), the first shutter 622 of the shutter mechanism 602 moves together with the toner cartridge 502 to the Z-axis direction negative side, and the second shutter 632 is moved. It stays in the vicinity of the limit position by the second step portion 98. That is, in the toner cartridge 502, the second shutter 632 moves to the positive side in the Z-axis direction while the first shutter 622 remains at the sealing position. Then, due to the relative movement of the first shutter 622 and the second shutter 632 in the Z-axis direction, the release protrusion 73 of the first shutter 622 and the release operation protrusion 79 of the second shutter 632 face each other in the Y-axis direction. The release operation position to be released is released, and the first shutter 622 is prevented from moving to the negative side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner cartridge 502 at the sealing position where the discharge port 55 is sealed with the shutter seal 772. .

  Thereafter, when the toner cartridge 502 is moved in the removal direction (Z-axis direction negative side), the first shutter 622 of the shutter mechanism 602 enters between the arms 812 of the second shutter 632, and both the arms 812. The state in which the respective projecting ends 812a of the first and second projections 812a abut against the side walls 71 of the first shutter 622 is released (see FIG. 50). For this reason, both arms 812 of the second shutter 632 are in an initial curved state, and the state where the hooking piece portions 812b enter the respective fixing grooves 93 of the toner container fixing portion 902 is released. It is possible to move to the negative side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 902 (see FIG. 50). Here, in the second shutter 632, as described above, the opening protrusion portion 812d (its opening inclined surface 812e) is the pressing body portion 212b (its protruding end 212c) of both opening protrusion pressing portions 212 of the toner container fixing portion 902. (The pressing inclined surface 212d)) is prevented from interfering with each other, so that each hook piece portion 812b can reliably return the both arm portions 812 having entered the respective fixing groove portions 93 to the initial curved state. it can. At this time, the second shutter 632 becomes a covering position that prevents the release protrusion 73 of the first shutter 622 from being exposed outside the toner cartridge 502 (the lower wall portion 50b) (see FIG. 50).

  Thereafter, the toner cartridge 502 can be taken out from the toner container fixing part 902 (container accommodating part 220) by moving it in the taking-out direction (Z-axis direction negative side). At this time, as shown in FIGS. 38, 39, and 50, in the shutter mechanism 602, the first shutter 622 is in the sealing position, so the shutter seal 772 is pushed against the mounting protrusion 61 around the discharge port 55. The discharge port 55 is sealed. Further, in the shutter mechanism 602, since the second shutter 632 is in the covering position, the first shutter 622 including the release protrusion 73 is covered with the second shutter 632. For this reason, the toner cartridge 502 is in a state in which the discharge port 55 is sealed by the shutter mechanism 602, which is the same as that before the toner cartridge 502 is attached to the toner container fixing unit 902 (container housing unit 220 (toner supply device 43)). Thus, the operation for taking out the toner cartridge 502 is completed.

  The toner cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK) of the second embodiment according to the present invention is basically the same as the toner cartridge 50 (50Y, 50M, 50C, 50BK) of the first embodiment. The same effect can be obtained.

  In addition, in the toner cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK) of the second embodiment, both arms 812 are provided with flat surfaces 812c that are parallel to the XY plane when in the initial curved state. Therefore, when the first shutter 622 tries to move to the Z axis direction positive side with respect to the second shutter 632, the front end portion of each side wall portion 71 of the first shutter 622, that is, the XY plane of each fixed wall portion 75. A flat surface 812c parallel to the XY plane can be applied to the pressing surface 75b parallel to the Z-axis direction. For this reason, compared with the 2nd shutter 63 of Example 1, the force which suppresses the movement to the Z-axis direction negative side of the 2nd shutter 632 with respect to the 1st shutter 622 can be improved.

  Further, in the toner cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK), since the force for suppressing the movement of the second shutter 632 to the negative side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the first shutter 622 is improved, the toner cartridge is more effectively discharged. It is possible to prevent the outlet 55 from being accidentally opened.

  Further, in the toner cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK), since the open projection portions 812d (the open inclined surface 812e) are provided on both arms 812 of the second shutter 632, the open inclined surface 812e. By applying a force directed from the positive side in the Z-axis direction to the negative side in the Z-axis direction, both arms 812 can be deformed outward as viewed in the left-right direction (X-axis direction), Each hooking piece portion 812b can be advanced into a pair of fixed groove portions 93 communicating with the second receiving recess 92. For this reason, even if the force which suppresses the movement to the Z-axis direction negative side of the 2nd shutter 632 with respect to the 1st shutter 622 is improved, both the arm parts 812 can be deform | transformed reliably, and the 2nd shutter 632 of It is possible to reliably prevent the toner container fixing portion 902 from moving to the negative side in the Z-axis direction.

  In the toner cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK), the first shutter 622 (each side wall portion 71) is used to release the deformation of both arms 812 of the second shutter 632. The shutter mechanism 602 can have a simpler configuration.

  In the toner cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK), since the pair of contact plate portions 207 are provided on the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 502, the two contact surfaces 224 of the container housing portion 220 are in contact with each other. Since the area can be limited to both the contact plate portions 207, the toner cartridge 502 can be easily moved in the Z-axis direction with respect to the container accommodating portion 220, that is, the toner container fixing portion 902. Further, since the contact plate-like portions 207 are provided in pairs in the left-right direction (X-axis direction), the container accommodating portion 220 of the toner cartridge 502 can be formed even if the contact area is only the both contact plate-like portions 207. That is, the movement in the Z-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 902 can be stabilized.

  In the toner cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK), since the restraining rails 209 are provided on the pair of side wall portions 50c, the restraining rails 221 corresponding to the container accommodating portions 220 are contacted from above. In addition, it is possible to prevent the container container 220 from moving upward (Y-axis direction positive side) and to define the attitude within the container container 220.

  In the toner cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK), since the holding piece 205 is provided on the upper surface, the rear end side is brought into contact with the upper wall portion 220c (see FIG. 44) of the container housing portion 220. It is possible to prevent the upward movement. For this reason, it is possible to properly fit the first reference determining protrusion of the container housing portion 220 into the first reference hole 201 (see FIG. 26, etc.), and the second reference hole 202 (see FIG. 26, etc.). The second reference determining protrusion of the container housing portion 220 is properly inserted into the container housing portion 220, the positioning protrusion of the container housing portion 220 is properly inserted into the positioning hole 572b (see FIG. 26, etc.) of the electronic substrate 572, and the stirring member 52, the agitation drive coupling 301 (see FIG. 32) is appropriately connected to the connection location 522a, and the transport drive coupling is properly connected to the connection location 562a (see FIG. 26, etc.) of the transport screw 56, Can be made possible. This is because the gripping portion 206 that allows the toner cartridge 502 to be easily held by gripping the gripping wall portion 206b with a hand inserted from the gripping recess 206a is provided on the back surface (the negative side surface in the Y-axis direction). This is particularly effective.

  In the toner cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK), since the bottom support piece portion 214 is provided on each bottom wall portion 50f, the toner cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK) is brought into contact with the lower wall portion 220d (see FIG. 44). It is possible to prevent the rear end side from moving downward. For this reason, it is possible to appropriately fit, insert, and connect the above-described parts, and the electronic substrate 572 and the container are accommodated due to the rear end side being inclined so as to move downward in the mounted state. It is possible to prevent communication with the communication board provided in the unit 220 (toner supply device 43) from becoming difficult. This is particularly effective in the toner cartridge 502 because the rear end side of the toner cartridge 502 may be inclined downward due to its own weight (mainly the weight of the developer G accommodated in the accommodating portion 51). is there.

  In the toner cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK), the pressing piece 205 on the upper surface is brought into contact with the upper wall part 220c, and the lower supporting piece part 214 of each bottom wall part 50f is brought into contact with the lower wall part 220d. Since the position of the rear end portion viewed in the vertical direction can be made appropriate, more appropriate fitting, insertion, and connection of the above-described portions can be made possible. In addition, both the holding pieces 205 and the two lower support pieces 214 have the effects described above because the amount of protrusion in the Y-axis direction gradually increases toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction. In addition, the toner cartridge 502 can be smoothly attached to the container housing portion 220 (toner supply device 43).

  In the toner cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK), the rear end portion should be sized so that it can be fitted inwardly without providing a gap with respect to the opening 220a of the container housing portion 220. Since the projecting rear wall portion 210 (its projecting rear wall 210a) is provided, the opening 220a can be closed in a state of being mounted on the container housing portion 220 (see FIG. 43 (b)). For this reason, even if an unexpected situation occurs and the developer G leaks out of the toner cartridge 502 inside the container housing portion 220, the developer G flows from the opening 220a. It is possible to prevent leakage to the outside of the container housing part 220. In addition, since the opening 220a is blocked, even if the size of the upper part (the storage part 51) of the toner cartridge 502 in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) is larger than that of the lower part of the toner cartridge 502, it is mounted. The appearance of time can be improved. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the developer G from leaking out of the container housing portion 220 from the opening 220a while increasing the amount (capacity) of the developer G that can be contained (filled) in the housing portion 51. This can improve the appearance when worn.

  In the toner cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK), since the air supply / exhaust unit 203 is provided at a position that is not blocked by the developer G that is sufficiently stored (filled), air is supplied to the storage unit 51. Since the developer G is discharged from the discharge port 55 to the outside, the inside of the accommodating portion 51 is prevented from becoming a negative pressure (a pressure lower than the surrounding pressure). Can do. Therefore, the developer G can be smoothly discharged from the discharge port 55 to the outside, and the developer G can be smoothly discharged from the toner supply port 96a of the toner container fixing portion 902 to the inside (toner temporary storage portion 44). Can lead.

  In the toner cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK), the air supply / exhaust unit 203 is provided at a position where it is not blocked by the sufficiently contained (filled) developer G. Even when air flows in from the toner replenishing port 96a, the air can be discharged from the storage portion 51, and an increase in the atmospheric pressure in the storage portion 51 can be prevented.

  In the toner cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK), a shutter protection portion that protrudes to the positive side in the Z-axis direction from the first shutter 622 and the second shutter 632 (shutter mechanism 602) at the tip of the guide wall 50d. 50e is provided (see FIG. 39), so that even if an unintended object or the like approaches relatively from the positive side in the Z-axis direction, it is ahead of the first shutter 622 and the second shutter 632. It is possible to prevent the first shutter 622 and the second shutter 632 from being relatively pushed to the negative side in the Z-axis direction in contact with the object. Therefore, the first shutter 622 and the second shutter 632 can be prevented from being pushed from the positive side to the negative side in the Z-axis direction by an unintended object or the like, and the first shutter 622 and the second shutter 632 can be prevented. Can be protected. Thus, in the toner cartridge 502, the periphery of the shutter mechanism 602 is mistakenly placed around the container housing portion 220 or the toner when the toner cartridge 502 is attached to the container housing portion 220 (its toner container fixing portion 902). Even if it hits the container fixing portion 902, the first shutter 622 and the second shutter 632 are positive in the Z-axis direction when the shutter protection portion 50 e hits the container housing portion 220 or the toner container fixing portion 902. It is possible to prevent the discharge port 55 from being opened due to being pushed toward the negative side.

  In the toner cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK), since the protruding surfaces 522d of the pair of hooking protrusions 522b of the stirring member 52 are provided with the inclined surfaces 522d, the pair of hooking protrusions 301a is also provided. The protruding end portion 301b of the stirring drive coupling 301 and the protruding end portion 522c of the connecting portion 522a are abutted with each other in cooperation with the stirring drive coupling 301 provided with the inclined surface 301c on the protruding end portion 301b. Can be prevented. In addition, since the protruding end portions 522c of the pair of hooking protrusions 522b are arranged in parallel with the protruding end portions 301b of the pair of hooking protrusions 301a in the direction of the central axis Ca, the inclined surface 522d Since the rotation of the agitation drive coupling 301 with respect to the connection portion 522a by the guide action with the inclined surface 301c can be promoted, the action of preventing the abutted state between the inclined surface 522d and the inclined surface 301c from being brought about. It can be effective.

  In the toner cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK), the stirring member 52 is provided with an inclined surface 522d that makes a pair when viewed in the circumferential direction at the protruding end portion 522c of the pair of hooking protrusions 522b. Similarly, the agitation drive coupling 301 is provided with the agitation drive coupling 301 provided with an inclined surface 301c that forms a pair when viewed in the rotational direction (circumferential direction) at the protruding end portion 301b of the pair of hooking protrusions 301a. The amount by which the agitation drive coupling 301 rotates with respect to the connecting portion 522a to prevent the protruding end portion 301b and the protruding end portion 522c of the connecting portion 522a from coming into contact with each other (arrow in FIG. 32C). A10), that is, the relative escape amount for avoiding the abutted state can be reduced. This is due to the following. As shown in FIG. 32 (c), the size seen in the circumferential direction (rotation direction) corresponding to the location where the one inclined surface 522d is provided in the protruding end 522c is the dimension α, and one of the protruding end 301b The size viewed in the circumferential direction (rotation direction) corresponding to the location where the inclined surface 301c is provided is defined as a dimension β. Then, the projecting end portion 522c and the projecting end portion 301b can avoid the abutted state by rotating relative to the maximum dimension (α + β) by the guiding action of the inclined surface 522d and the inclined surface 301c. it can. On the other hand, for example, as shown in FIG. 32 (e), the protruding end portion 522c of the pair of hooking protrusions 522b is provided with a uniform inclined surface 522f as viewed in the circumferential direction, and a pair of hooking protrusions. A uniform inclined surface 301d is provided on the protruding end 301b of 301a as viewed in the rotational direction (circumferential direction). Then, in order to avoid the state in which the hooking protrusion 522b and the protruding end 301b are abutted by the guiding action of the inclined surface 522f and the inclined surface 301d (see arrow A12), the dimensions are relative to each other by a maximum (2α + 2β). Need to rotate. For this reason, the protrusion end 522c is paired in the circumferential direction and provided with the inclined surface 522d, thereby cooperating with the protrusion end 301b provided with the inclined surface 301c in the rotation direction (circumferential direction). Thus, the relative rotation amount (escape amount) for preventing the contacted state can be reduced (substantially half in the second embodiment regardless of the rotation direction). Note that the pair of inclined surfaces 522d at the connection location 522a of the stirring member 52 may have different inclination angles as long as the above-described effects can be obtained. The sizes may be different from each other when viewed in the circumferential direction with the center being at the center, and are not limited to the second embodiment described above. The same applies to the pair of inclined surfaces 301c in the stirring drive coupling 301.

  In the toner cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK), the protruding end portions 522c of the pair of hooking protrusions 522b of the stirring member 52 are displaced and inclined toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction as they approach each other. However, since the protruding end portions 301b of the pair of hooking projection portions 301a are arranged in parallel in the direction of the central axis Ca, when the pair of protruding end portions 522c come into contact with the pair of protruding end portions 301b, A force that guides both hooking protrusions 301a to the inner side of both hooking protrusions 522b can be applied by the guiding action. For this reason, even when the both hooking protrusions 522b (the projecting end 522c) and the both hooking protrusions 301a (the projecting end 301b) are in contact as described above, the connecting portion 522a and the agitation drive coupling are connected. It is possible to prevent a force that shifts the central axis Ca (see FIG. 32A) and the axis of the agitating member 52 from acting on 301. In addition, regarding the effect and design change in the connection location 522a (stirring drive coupling 301 connected thereto) of these stirring members 52, the connection location 562a ( The same applies to the transport driving coupling connected thereto.

  In the toner cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK), the first reference wall portion 201a of the first reference hole 201 and the second reference wall portion 202a of the second reference hole 202 are included in the storage portion 51, that is, the toner cartridge 502. Since it is continuous on the side surface, the effect of stirring the developer G stored in the storage portion 51 by the stirring blade portion 52b (see FIG. 51A) of the stirring member 52 can be enhanced. This is due to the following. For example, as in the toner cartridge 502 ′ shown in FIG. 51B, the first reference hole 201 ′ and the second reference hole 202 ′ are configured not to be continuous with the accommodating portion 51, that is, the inner surface of the toner cartridge 502. . The first reference hole 201 ′ and the second reference hole 202 ′ form a dead angle Bs between the first reference hole 201 ′ and the second reference hole 202 ′ when viewed from the axis of the stirring member 52. Here, the stirring member 52 is provided with a stirring blade portion 52b extending radially from the axis thereof. For this reason, when the blind spot Bs as described above is formed, it becomes difficult to stir the developer G present in the blind spot Bs with the stirring blade 52b even if the stirring member 52 is rotationally driven. On the other hand, in the toner cartridge 502 according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 51A, the first reference wall 201a and the second reference wall 202a are connected to the inner side surface. Such a blind spot Bs is not formed, and the developer G in the container 51 can be evenly stirred by the stirring blade 52b. For this reason, the effect of stirring the developer G accommodated in the accommodating part 51 by the stirring blade part 52b of the stirring member 52 can be enhanced. In FIG. 51, for the sake of easy understanding, the inside of the housing 51 and the stirring blade 52b of the stirring member 52 are simplified and the change of the stirring blade 52b is emphasized. It does not correspond to the configuration of the above and other drawings.

  In the toner cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK), the front end portion 772a of the shutter seal 772 projects from the front end surface 74a of the installation portion 74 toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction in the first shutter 622. When the first shutter 622 (the front end surface 74a of the installation portion 74) hits the first step portion 99 of the toner container fixing portion 902, the protruding portion of the shutter seal 772 including the front end portion 772a is referred to as the first step portion 99. Can be compressed between. For this reason, in a state where the first shutter 622 is in a restricted position by the first step portion 99 and the discharge port 55 and the toner supply port 96a of the supply port portion 96 are connected, the first step portion 99, that is, the supply port portion 96 and the first step portion 99 are connected. The area between the shutter 622 and the shutter 622 can be closed by the compressed portion of the shutter seal 772. This is a case where the developer G discharged from the discharge port 55 to the toner supply port 96a leaks between the discharge port 55 and the toner supply port 96a due to an unexpected situation. Even in this case, it is possible to prevent the developer G from leaking out from between the supply port portion 96 and the first shutter 622 to the inside of the container housing portion 220.

  Similarly, since the toner replenishing device 43 as the powder replenishing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is basically the same as the toner replenishing device 43 according to the first embodiment, the same effect can be obtained. it can.

  In addition, since the toner replenishing device 43 according to the second exemplary embodiment is provided with a pair of opening protrusion pressing portions 212, when the second shutter 632 enters the second receiving recess 92, each arm portion thereof. The pressing main body portion 212b (the protruding end 212c and the pressing inclined surface 212d) is applied to the opening protrusion portion 812d (the opening inclined surface 812e) of the 812 in the Z-axis direction, so that the opening inclined surface 812e and the protruding end 212c and the pressing end are pressed. Each arm portion 812 can be displaced outward in the X-axis direction by the guiding action with the inclined surface 212d, and the hooking piece portion 812b is seen from the side wall portion 80 (both arm portions 812) when viewed in the X-axis direction. Can also be displaced (projected) outward. For this reason, the hooking piece portion 812b can enter the corresponding fixed groove portion 93, and the second shutter 632 can be prevented from moving to the negative side in the Z-axis direction in the vicinity of the limit position by the second step portion 98. .

  Therefore, in the toner cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK) as the powder container according to the second embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the discharge port 55 from being accidentally opened as the powder discharge port. be able to.

  In the second embodiment described above, the both open projection pressing portions 212 are configured to deform the respective arm portions 812 and cause the hooking piece portions 812b to enter the fixed groove portion 93. Each arm portion 812 (its arm portion 812) is guided by the protruding end 212c and the pressing inclined surface 212d of the pressing body portion 212b and the opening inclined surface 812e of the opening projection portion 812d of each arm portion 812 of the second shutter 632. If the hook piece 812b) is moved outward in the X-axis direction, the projecting end 812a of each arm 812 moved outward in the X-axis direction hits each side wall 71 of the first shutter 622. Thus, each protruding end 812a is deformed so as to extend along the Z-axis direction while being displaced outward in the X-axis direction, and each hooking piece portion 812b enters the fixed groove portion 93. It is good, but is not limited to the second embodiment described above.

  Further, in the above-described second embodiment (the same applies to the first embodiment), the shutter protection portion 50e is provided at the tip (end on the positive side in the Z-axis direction) of the right guide wall portion 50d when the front view of FIG. However, when an unintended object exists on the positive side in the Z-axis direction when the toner cartridge 502 is moved to the positive side in the Z-axis direction, the object is earlier than the first shutter 622 and the second shutter 632. 2 may be provided on both guide wall portions 50d, or may be provided on the left guide wall portion 50d as viewed from the front in FIG. It is not limited.

  Furthermore, in the above-described second embodiment, the first reference wall 201a of the first reference hole 201 and the second reference wall 202a of the second reference hole 202 are made continuous with the housing 51, that is, the inner surface of the toner cartridge 502. However, it may be provided inside the side surface of the toner cartridge 502 (the side wall has a thickness that allows the first reference hole 201 or the second reference hole 202 to be formed inward). The invention is not limited to the above-described second embodiment.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the toner cartridge as the powder container according to the present invention has been described. However, a powder container that stores a developer used for image formation, and a powder container that is stored in the powder container. A powder discharge port provided in the powder container for discharging the developer, and a shutter mechanism for opening and closing the powder discharge port, and the shutter mechanism closes the powder discharge port. A first shutter that is movable between a sealing position and an open position that opens the powder discharge port, and is provided with a fixing release portion that is pushed to release the fixing at the sealing position; A release operation projection capable of interfering with the release portion, and a release position that covers the fixation release portion without causing the release operation projection to interfere with the fixation release portion and release that pushes the fixation release portion at the release operation projection The second system that can move between the operating positions Jitter and may be a powder container having, but not limited to the embodiments described above.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the hooking piece portion 81b of the both arm portions 81 of the second shutter 63 (second shutter 632) (the hooking piece portion 812b of the both arm portions 812) and the toner container fixing portion 90 (toner container). The fixing groove portion 93 (the fixing wall surface 93a) of the fixing portion 902) and the second position from the restriction position (the vicinity thereof) by the second step portion 98 with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90 (toner container fixing portion 902). Although the shutter 63 (second shutter 632) is prevented from moving to the negative side in the Z-axis direction, the toner cartridge 50 (toner cartridge 502) is removed from the toner container fixing portion 90 (toner container fixing portion 902) ( When moving to the Z-axis direction negative side), the second shutter 63 (second shutter 632) is only required to remain at the limit position (the vicinity thereof) by the second step portion 98, Is not limited to the embodiments noted.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the toner container is fixed by the fixing claws 95 and the fixing wall portions 75 (the hooked surfaces 75a) of the both side walls 71 of the first shutter 62 (first shutter 622). Although it is intended to prevent the first shutter 62 (first shutter 622) from moving to the negative side in the Z-axis direction from the limit position by the first step 99 with respect to the portion 90 (toner container fixing portion 902), the toner When the toner cartridge 50 (toner cartridge 502) is moved from the container fixing portion 90 (toner container fixing portion 902) in the removal direction (Z-axis direction negative side), the first shutter 62 (first shutter 622) is moved to the first position. What is necessary is just to stay at the restriction | limiting position by the step part 99, and it is not limited to each above-mentioned Example.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the toner supply device 43 (toner container fixing unit 90 (toner container fixing unit 902)) is applied to the image forming apparatus 10 (image forming apparatus 102) as a color printer. The present invention may be applied to an image forming apparatus that forms a monochrome image, and is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which a two-component developer composed of a carrier and a toner is used has been described. However, a one-component developer composed of a toner may be used, and the present invention is not limited to each of the above-described embodiments. It is not something. In other words, the powder container is a toner used for image formation, a toner, a carrier to which toner is electrostatically attached, or a mixture of toner and carrier in a predetermined ratio (so-called premixed toner). ) Can be used. In any case, the same effects as those of the present invention described above can be obtained.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the toner cartridge 50 and the toner cartridge 502 provided with the single stirring member 52 are shown. However, as shown in FIG. 52, the toner cartridge 503 provided with two stirring members 52 may be used. Well, it is not limited to the above embodiments. In the toner cartridge 503, two connecting openings are provided in order to expose the connecting portion 522 a of each stirring member 52 from the front surface (the surface on the positive side in the Z-axis direction) of the storage portion 51 in association with the provision of the two stirring members 52. A portion 583 is provided. Both the connecting openings 583 have the same configuration as the connecting opening 58 or the connecting opening 582. The toner cartridge 503 has the same configuration as that of the toner cartridge 502 of Example 2 except that two stirring members 52 (connection opening portions 583) are provided. In the toner cartridge 503, since two stirring members 52 are provided, the force (stirring force) for stirring the developer G stored in the storage portion 51 can be improved.

  In the first embodiment, an example in which the toner cartridge 50, the toner container fixing unit 90, and the image forming apparatus 10 are used is shown. In the second embodiment, the toner cartridge 502, the toner container fixing unit 902 (container housing unit 220), and Although the example using the image forming apparatus 102 has been shown, each of those configurations may be applied to the other embodiment (each configuration may be appropriately combined), and is limited to the configuration of each embodiment described above. It is not a thing.

  As described above, the powder container and the powder replenishing device (image forming apparatus) of the present invention have been described based on each embodiment, but the specific configuration is not limited to each embodiment, and the gist of the present invention. As long as they do not deviate, design changes and additions are permitted. In addition, the number, position, shape, and the like of the constituent members are not limited to the respective embodiments, and can be set to a number, position, shape, and the like suitable for carrying out the present invention.

10, 102 Image forming device 43 Toner replenishing device (as an example of a powder replenishing device) 50, 502 Toner cartridge 50b (as an example of a powder container) Lower wall portion 51 (as an example of one side surface) 51 (Powder) Storage part 55 (as an example of a body storage part) Discharge port 60, 602 (as an example of a powder discharge port) Shutter mechanism 61 Mounting protrusion (as an example of a location where a powder discharge port is provided on one side surface) 62, 622 First shutter 63, 632 Second shutter 65 Fixed protrusion 72 Fixed piece part 73 (As an example of the fixed release part) Release protrusion 79 Release operation protrusion 81, 812 Arm part 81b, 812b Hook piece part 90, 902 ( Toner container fixing portion (as an example of a container fixing portion) 92 Second receiving recess portion 93 Fixing groove portion 94 First receiving recess portion 95 Fixing claw portion 96 (Powder replenishing port portion) Replenishing port 96a (as an example) Toner replenishing port (as an example of a powder replenishing port) 98 Second stage 99 First stage G Developer

JP 2011-76064 A

Claims (9)

A powder container for containing a developer used for image formation;
A powder outlet provided in the powder container to discharge the developer contained in the powder container;
A shutter mechanism for opening and closing the powder discharge port,
The shutter mechanism is movable between a sealing position that closes the powder discharge port and an open position that opens the powder discharge port, and is unlocked to be unlocked at the sealing position. A first shutter provided with a portion;
A release operation projection capable of interfering with the fixation release portion; and a cover position that covers the fixation release portion without causing the release operation projection to interfere with the fixation release portion; and A powder container, comprising: a second shutter movable between a pressing release operation position.   2. The powder container according to claim 1, wherein the second shutter has a size that covers the entire first shutter at the covering position. The first shutter has a flat plate shape parallel to one side surface of the powder container in which the powder discharge port is provided, and a moving direction between the sealing position and the open position is parallel to the one side surface. Set on a straight line,
The second shutter has a flat plate shape parallel to the one side surface, and the movement direction of the covering position and the release operation position is parallel to the movement direction of the first shutter,
The powder container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a moving direction of the first shutter and the second shutter is parallel to a set mounting direction. The first shutter has a fixing piece portion that hits a fixing protrusion protruding from the one side surface in a moving direction,
The fixing release portion is formed to protrude from the fixing piece portion toward the second shutter, and displaces the fixing piece portion to a position where it does not hit the fixing projection when pressed by the release operation projection. The powder container according to claim 3. In the covering position, the second shutter is a pair of elastically deformable arms that sandwich the first shutter so as to be able to interfere with each side surface from both side surfaces orthogonal to the moving direction of the first shutter at the sealing position. Part
The both arm portions are provided with hooking piece portions that protrude on the opposite side to the first shutter,
In the second shutter, if the arm portions do not interfere with the side surfaces, the arm portions interfere with the side surfaces and deform without causing the hooking piece portion to protrude outward from the arm portions. The powder container according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the hooking piece portion protrudes outward from each arm portion. A powder replenishing device for replenishing the developer from the powder container according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
A container fixing portion provided with a powder replenishing port for enabling the mounting of the powder container and supplying the developer;
The container fixing portion includes a first receiving recess capable of receiving the first shutter at the sealing position, a second receiving recess capable of receiving the second shutter at the covering position, and the powder. A powder supply port portion provided with a supply port,
The powder supply port and the first receiving recess form a first step portion that interferes with the first shutter without interfering with the powder container in the mounting direction of the powder container. ,
The first receiving recess and the second receiving recess are second directions that interfere with the second shutter without interfering with the powder container and the first shutter in the mounting direction of the powder container. A powder replenishing device characterized by forming a stepped portion.   The powder replenishing device according to claim 6, wherein the container fixing portion includes a fixing claw portion that fixes the first shutter at a position where the container fixing portion interferes with the first step portion. A powder replenishing device for replenishing the developer from the powder container according to claim 5,
A container fixing portion provided with a powder replenishing port for enabling the mounting of the powder container and supplying the developer;
The container fixing portion includes a first receiving recess capable of receiving the first shutter at the sealing position, a second receiving recess capable of receiving the second shutter at the covering position, and the powder. A powder supply port portion provided with a supply port,
The powder supply port and the first receiving recess form a first step portion that interferes with the first shutter without interfering with the powder container in the mounting direction of the powder container. ,
The first receiving recess and the second receiving recess are second directions that interfere with the second shutter without interfering with the powder container and the first shutter in the mounting direction of the powder container. Forming a step,
In each of the second receiving recesses, the arm portions of the second shutter project outward from the arm portions by deforming the arm portions by interfering with the side surfaces of the first shutter. A powder replenishing device, wherein a fixing groove that interferes with the hooking piece portion is provided on the side opposite to the mounting direction of the powder container by receiving the hooking piece portion. An image forming apparatus, wherein the powder replenishing device according to any one of claims 6 to 8 is mounted.